Govt seeks NA approval for KP emergency

The federal government on Wednesday presented a resolution in the National Assembly seeking parliamentary endorsement of President Asif Ali Zardari’s proclamation of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) under Article 232 of the Constitution.

The move follows the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province on October 11, which suspended the PTI-led provincial administration. The federal government has justified the decision by citing worsening security conditions and alleged shortcomings in coordination between provincial and federal authorities on counter-terrorism measures.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the resolution in the National Assembly. He also moved a motion to suspend Question Hour to allow the House to take up other parliamentary business. Opposition members opposed the proposal, but it was passed by a majority vote.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the emergency, stating that the Constitution required a presidential proclamation issued under Article 232 to be presented before both houses of Parliament for approval within 10 days.

He said the decision followed detailed consultations and an assessment of the security situation in KP. According to the minister, the federal cabinet discussed the matter for around two and a half hours before recommending the emergency measures.

Tarar said the provincial government’s approach to counter-terrorism had become a serious concern for national security, particularly since the current provincial cabinet assumed office on October 15, 2025. He stressed that an effective response to terrorism required close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.

The law minister attributed the rise in terrorist activities since 2021 to several external, diplomatic and political developments. He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing policies that, in his view, had worsened the security situation.

Acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel, police officers and civilians, Tarar said political differences should not obstruct efforts to combat terrorism. He claimed that terrorist incidents in KP during the past year had exceeded those recorded between 2021 and 2024.

Criticising Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Tarar accused him of prioritising political activities over addressing the security crisis. He said the provincial leadership should have visited injured personnel, attended the funerals of those killed, supported bereaved families and regularly consulted security officials to develop and implement an effective strategy.

The minister argued that extraordinary security challenges required an equally strong response. He questioned whether the provincial government had fulfilled its responsibility to stand with police personnel, armed forces members and civilians affected by terrorist violence.

Tarar also referred to PTI’s political announcements regarding a march towards the federal capital, saying the circumstances demanded dialogue rather than confrontation. He maintained that the government had made efforts to resolve the dispute through negotiations instead of using force.

He praised National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for facilitating talks between the government and opposition. He also acknowledged the roles of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the President on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in efforts to resolve the differences.

According to Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari nominated Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman and Aijaz Jakhrani to participate in the discussions on the president’s directions. The opposition delegation was led by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

The minister said representatives from both sides held discussions for two days, with counter-terrorism emerging as a central issue. However, he claimed that the opposition’s response focused largely on seeking facilities and relief for its incarcerated leader.

Tarar argued that the executive could not grant relief in legal proceedings beyond its constitutional authority. He said courts remained the appropriate forum for challenging cases and seeking legal remedies for detained individuals.

He maintained that the government had pursued political dialogue to address the dispute but insisted that national security concerns required urgent attention and cooperation among all relevant authorities.

The resolution will require parliamentary consideration as the federal government seeks to secure formal approval for the emergency imposed in KP.