ISLAMABAD: A high-level meeting has been scheduled at the Prime Minister’s House for Saturday to discuss the possible imposition of an emergency, “emergency plus” measures, or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to sources.
The meeting is expected to bring together relevant stakeholders to review the province’s overall situation and consider constitutional and administrative options before reaching a final decision.
Sources said reports from national security institutions would also be reviewed during the meeting, while consultations would focus on the legal requirements and implications of the proposed measures.
Emergency in 12 KP Districts Under Consideration
According to sources, a proposal to impose an emergency in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including all districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), is under consideration.
The proposed measures could involve the federal government exercising additional powers to protect the lives and property of citizens and address security concerns in the province.
However, no final decision has been announced, and the proposals remain under discussion.
The meeting is expected to examine the powers available under Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution, along with the legal requirements for invoking the relevant constitutional provisions.
Sources indicated that important decisions could be approved following consultations, depending on the outcome of the review.
PTI Long March Adds to Political Tensions
The discussions come amid heightened tensions between the federal and provincial governments over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march towards Islamabad.
According to the report, PTI began its march on October 4, demanding the release of the party’s founder, Imran Khan. Following unsuccessful negotiations, participants continued their advance from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the federal government to raise concerns about law and order and security arrangements.
On September 30, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the possibility of imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being seriously considered.
Reports published on October 1 subsequently suggested that the federal government had decided against immediately imposing an emergency or governor’s rule, opting instead to give PTI an opportunity to ease political tensions and reconsider its approach to the long march.
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Governor and Chief Minister Differ Over Security Policy
Differences have also emerged between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over the province’s security situation, counterterrorism strategy and the federal government’s role.
On October 4, Governor Kundi met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss law and order in the province and PTI’s long march.
According to an official statement issued by the Governor’s House, the meeting also discussed the possibility of invoking the constitutional options of governor’s rule or an emergency if the president and prime minister considered such measures necessary to address terrorism and unrest.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Afridi has expressed reservations about the federal government’s security policy and opposed further military operations in the province. He has also raised objections to certain actions by the governor.
What Do Articles 232 to 234 of the Constitution Say?
The proposed meeting is expected to examine the constitutional provisions governing emergency measures and federal intervention in provincial affairs.
Article 232: Provides for the proclamation of an emergency under specified circumstances, including situations involving serious internal disturbance that cannot be controlled by a provincial government.
Article 233: Deals with the suspension of certain fundamental rights during an emergency, subject to constitutional conditions.
Article 234: Addresses situations in which the constitutional machinery of a province cannot function in accordance with the Constitution.
Each provision has its own constitutional requirements and procedures, and any action would need to comply with the applicable legal framework.
Sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House would review security assessments, the province’s administrative situation and the available constitutional options before determining the government’s next course of action.
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