Staff Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday approved the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Article 232 of the Constitution, following a “rise in terrorist attacks and a worsening law and order situation” in the province.
According to a statement from the President’s House, attacks on government installations, critical infrastructure and law enforcement agencies have increased. The statement alleged that the provincial government had failed to effectively address terrorism and lawlessness.
The presidential proclamation invokes Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, stating that the provincial government could not function in accordance with the Constitution under the prevailing circumstances.
Under the announced arrangements, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will be empowered to perform provincial government functions assigned by the federal government. The governor will also exercise the powers of provincial institutions and officials, except those of the provincial assembly, according to the statement.
The announcement further states that the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general will immediately relinquish their offices.
The development followed a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which ministers reviewed the province’s security situation.
The cabinet was briefed on security reports highlighting an increase in terrorist attacks over the past two years and operational shortcomings faced by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
According to the reports presented to the cabinet, the CTD faces a shortage of specially trained personnel, while its district offices, operational facilities and specialised infrastructure remain inadequate for its requirements.
The federal cabinet subsequently approved the proposed constitutional measures and sent its advice to the President’s House.
The government has cited the deteriorating security situation and concerns over the provincial administration’s counterterrorism efforts as the reasons for the decision.