Islamabad:The President has enacted Emergency and Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following the Prime Minister's advice, under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. This was announced by Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar during a joint news conference.
According to Radio Pakistan, the provincial government led by the Chief Minister has ceased operations, with all powers transferred to the Governor. An eleven-member Advisory Council has been established to assist the Governor in managing the province's affairs.
The Minister highlighted that a separate Secretariat has been created under the Governor and Chief Secretary to oversee the administration of twelve districts, which now fall under the Federation's direct control. Additionally, under Article 245 of the Constitution, the army has been deployed to aid the Governor in maintaining law and order.
The fundamental reasons for declaring Emergency include the worsening law and order situation and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's lack of cooperation in combating terrorism. The province has seen a 196 percent increase in terrorism-related incidents over the past two and a half years.
Separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate, along with a joint sitting of Parliament, are planned to endorse these measures. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar accused the former PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of colluding with terrorist groups, allowing them to operate freely in several districts.
The Intelligence Bureau and law enforcement agencies reported that the provincial government had empowered militants, compromising citizens' safety. Tarar introduced the KP Advisory Council members, responsible for various departments, expressing confidence in their expertise to enhance governance and service delivery.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that efforts to engage the PTI government in resolving the situation had failed, emphasizing the necessity of a united approach against terrorism. He stressed the importance of collective efforts between the Federation and provinces in tackling the issue.
MNA Samar Bilour criticized the PTI for neglecting the welfare of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's citizens, highlighting the relief felt by the people following the Federal government's intervention. She expressed support for the Federation's initiatives to improve the situation in the province.