KP Governor says governor’s rule remains an option

KP Governor says governor’s rule remains an option

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said consultations have taken place over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province, stressing that such a step is provided for under the Constitution and has been imposed in the past as well.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Kundi said governor’s rule remained a possibility in view of the province’s prevailing political and security situation. He said the constitutional framework allowed for such a measure and maintained that it should not be described as an unconstitutional move.

Commenting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the governor claimed that the party’s workers and leaders were now looking for ways to avoid the consequences of their planned long march. He predicted that PTI would announce an end to the protest either today or tomorrow.

Kundi also questioned the party’s preparations for the long march, saying PTI had been making statements about marching towards Islamabad while some of its workers were voluntarily presenting themselves for arrest.

The governor linked the possibility of governor’s rule to the overall law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He alleged that the province was facing serious challenges, including corruption, lawlessness and terrorism, and said the situation surrounding the planned long march also needed to be taken into account.

He further criticised the provincial government over its approach to policing, alleging that it wanted to turn the police force into a “Tiger Force” aligned with its political interests.

Kundi said the provincial government was also seeking greater control over the appointment of senior police officials, including the inspector general, deputy inspectors general and district police officers.

“We will stand as a wall against such legislation,” he said, referring to the provincial government’s proposed changes to the police system.

The governor’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions between the federal and provincial governments, with PTI continuing to press ahead with its protest strategy while the authorities remain focused on maintaining law and order in the province and the federal capital.