K-P political crisis deepens amid Centre rift

Political uncertainty in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has intensified as tensions between the federal and provincial governments continue to grow, with several constitutional and political options reportedly being discussed.

Sources said the federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or declaring an emergency in the province amid concerns over the worsening security and political situation. The PTI-led provincial government is also reportedly examining options including an in-house change or dissolution of the provincial assembly.

The developments follow PTI’s planned Islamabad march, which was initially scheduled for September 27 but was later postponed to October 4. Despite the delay, differences between the Centre and the K-P government remain unresolved.

There is also speculation about possible moves against Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, including his disqualification, a no-confidence motion, or a vote of confidence. Under Article 136 of the Constitution, a no-confidence motion against the chief minister can be initiated with the signatures of at least 20 per cent of the total assembly membership.

If such a motion is formally submitted, the assembly secretariat is required to convene a session within three to seven days to take up the matter. Voting on the motion is conducted through a secret ballot. If the chief minister loses the vote, the speaker can set a schedule for the election of a new chief minister.

The Constitution also allows the governor to ask the chief minister to seek a vote of confidence if there are grounds to believe that he no longer commands majority support in the provincial assembly.

Amid the political uncertainty, Afridi said his government did not want a confrontation with the federal authorities. He said the main objective was to eliminate terrorism, restore peace and protect soldiers, police officers and civilians.

Speaking during a visit to Dera Ismail Khan, the chief minister said K-P had suffered heavily from terrorism and that the province should be involved in decisions concerning security policy.

Afridi called for greater coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He said terrorism could be tackled more effectively if Islamabad took the K-P government and local population into confidence and considered the province’s recommendations.

He also criticised what he described as statements from federal and Punjab-based political figures that were contributing to tensions between the provinces. Afridi warned that language promoting hatred could further deepen divisions and create serious consequences for the country.

The chief minister highlighted his government’s spending on security, saying Rs35 billion had been allocated for peace and security after his administration took office. He said the funds were intended to strengthen police and other law-enforcement agencies.

Afridi also raised concerns about delays in the supply of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and other equipment ordered from federal institutions. He said K-P had already made payments but had not received some of the equipment required for counterterrorism operations.

He cited Heavy Industries Taxila and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation in this regard, saying the issues had also been raised during meetings with federal officials.

Afridi further argued that repeated military and intelligence operations over the past two decades had failed to permanently eliminate terrorism, calling for a policy shift based on conditions on the ground.

He urged the federal government to show restraint, consult K-P authorities and adopt measures aimed at reducing tensions between the federation and the provinces