President Asif Ali Zardari has declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), acting on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who cited a deteriorating security situation in the province. The proclamation was made on Sunday and will see Governor Faisal Karim Kundi take charge of the province, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said.
The President Secretariat’s Media Wing said in a press release that the president had signed the summary under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The move was announced after a series of steps: the federal cabinet made recommendations, the prime minister formally advised the president, and security institutions submitted law-and-order reports.
Constitutional basis and security concerns behind the decision
The statement linked the decision to the collapse of negotiations between a government delegation and provincial leaders over the worsening security situation. The Centre alleged that the provincial government had fallen short in its counterterrorism efforts, and it used that claim as grounds for the step.
The Constitution allows the federal government to make provisions during an emergency, including suspending certain constitutional clauses that relate to provincial bodies or authorities.
Governor to head administration with advisory council
Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Tarar said Kundi would assume charge with the help of an 11-member advisory council. He said the arrangement would initially remain in force for six months.
Long march and stalled talks fuel political strain
The emergency follows a period of rising political strain linked to a long march led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The march set off from Lakki Marwat on October 4, after talks between the government and the opposition failed to produce a deal.
The negotiations broke down over disagreements on counterterrorism cooperation in KP and on access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, including a meeting with his personal doctor. Both sides traded accusations over the failed talks while Afridi kept leading the march across the province.
Governor urges calm and warns against violence
Kundi said on Sunday that residents had welcomed the proclamation, and that they wanted peace, stability, development and prosperity instead of unrest and insecurity. In a video message, he said the province’s peace-loving people do not support terrorism or violence.
He added that residents had resolved not to back Fitna al-Khawarij and would stand alongside security forces against militants. Kundi urged people to avoid breaking the law, inciting violence or rioting, warning that those who disturb order or take matters into their own hands would face action.
