President Zardari approves constitutional measures amid worsening security, while the federal government announces administrative changes in the province.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday imposed emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the summary on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following the federal cabinet’s endorsement of the move amid deteriorating security conditions.
According to a statement issued by the President’s office, the decision followed reports from relevant institutions about the law and order situation and the failure of negotiations with government delegations. President Zardari signed the summary under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, with the presidential proclamation taking immediate effect.
The proclamation cited an increase in terrorist attacks and violent activities, including assaults on infrastructure, government installations and law enforcement agencies. It alleged that the provincial government had failed to control terrorism and lawlessness.
A report by the KP governor reportedly identified a breakdown of the constitutional system and described the situation as beyond the provincial administration’s control.
Under the proclamation, the federal government may direct the KP governor to assume all or some of the provincial government’s powers. The powers of the provincial assembly may also be exercised by Parliament or a body authorised by it.
The chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general would cease to hold their offices under the measures.
The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz, approved the recommendation after reviewing the security situation. The decision followed a meeting between the president and prime minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday to discuss the country’s political and security situation, particularly developments in KP.
The move came amid heightened tensions following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march launched on October 4.
Administrative changes announced
The federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan as the new KP chief secretary. A Grade-22 Pakistan Administrative Service officer, Irfan was previously serving as secretary of the Power Division under the Ministry of Energy. His appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
Separately, the government placed Grade-20 officer Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada at the disposal of the KP government under Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act, 1973.
Akhunzada previously served as an additional secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office and held several administrative positions in the province, including commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan.
Earlier, sources indicated that the government had considered imposing emergency measures in 12 districts, including eight merged tribal districts, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat. Proposals also included transferring certain provincial powers to the federal government.
Political consultations continue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the political situation and other important matters. He invited Fazl to the Prime Minister’s House for a meeting, which the JUI-F chief accepted.
According to sources, Fazl favoured allowing more time for political negotiations, while the PTI reportedly remained in contact with him. Consultations were expected to explore ways to ease tensions in the province.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the PTI-led provincial government, alleging that it had prioritised securing the release of its incarcerated founder over governance, public welfare, development and security.
Tarar also accused Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of devoting insufficient time to administrative responsibilities despite more than 13 years of PTI rule in the province.
The decision places KP’s provincial administration under extraordinary constitutional measures amid the security crisis and continuing political tensions between the federal government and the provincial leadership.