National Assembly Approves Imposition of Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Resolution passed by majority vote amid strong opposition protest and sloganeering – Four-hour debate in House

ISLAMABAD : The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the resolution for imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, endorsing the presidential proclamation issued on October 11, 2026.

The resolution was presented by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The House passed it by a majority vote after a debate lasting more than four hours between government and opposition benches.

*Inside the National Assembly Session:*

The session resumed at Parliament House with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair.

First, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a motion to suspend Question Hour to take up the emergency proclamation. Opposition members strongly opposed it, raised slogans, but it was adopted by majority vote.

Then he laid before the House the Presidential Proclamation issued under Article 232 of the Constitution concerning imposition of emergency in KP along with imposition of Governor’s Rule.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar opened the debate, saying presenting the proclamation before Parliament and obtaining its approval is a constitutional requirement under Article 232, which must be approved by both Houses within 10 days.

*Government’s Justification in Parliament:*

1. *Security Collapse:* 3,787 terrorist incidents recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past year. Extraordinary intensity of attacks poses serious threats to lives and property.

2. *Provincial Government Failure:* Provincial government showed lack of seriousness in tackling terrorism, focusing more on political activities and long marches instead of counter-terrorism coordination with federal authorities.

3. *Governor’s Report:* KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had sent a detailed report to President and Prime Minister stating provincial government was not functioning according to Constitution and its attention was directed towards politics rather than security.

4. *Cabinet Deliberation:* Federal Cabinet held a two-and-a-half-hour emergency meeting on October 11, reviewed security situation, and recommended emergency to Prime Minister after thorough assessment of internal disturbances and cross-border incursions.

5. *Non-Functional CM:* Law Minister criticised CM Sohail Afridi, accusing him of prioritising political interests, disregarding sacrifices of security personnel and civilians martyred in terror attacks.

*Background: How Emergency Was Imposed*

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the recommendation of Federal Cabinet on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

*Proclamation issued under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution states:*

– Security of Pakistan and part thereof threatened by internal disturbance beyond control of provincial government
– Rise in attacks on government installations, infrastructure and law enforcement agencies
– Breakdown of constitutional machinery in province
– Under Article 234, President can assume functions of provincial government or direct Governor to exercise them

*Immediate Effect:*

– PTI-led provincial administration suspended
– Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and Advocate General required to vacate offices
– Governor’s Rule imposed – Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to run province on behalf of Federation
– Army deployed to assist civil administration

*Constitutional Framework Explained:*

*Article 232 – Proclamation of Emergency:*
Can be proclaimed if security of Pakistan or any part is threatened by war, external aggression, or internal disturbance which provincial authority is unable to control. Requires resolution of Provincial Assembly. If President acts independently, proclamation must be laid before both Houses of Parliament within 10 days for approval. During emergency, Parliament can make laws for province on matters not in Federal Legislative List.

*Article 233 – Suspension of Rights:*
Allows President to suspend enforcement of certain fundamental rights during emergency. Federal government has clarified in this case it has decided NOT to suspend fundamental rights of citizens.

*Article 234 – Failure of Constitutional Machinery / Governor’s Rule:*
If President is satisfied on Governor’s report that governance cannot be carried on in accordance with Constitution, he can assume functions of provincial government or direct Governor to exercise executive authority of province. Lasts for 2 months and can be extended twice up to total 6 months.

*Current Arrangements in KP:*

– *11-member Federal Committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar* formed to oversee KP affairs. Includes Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adviser Rana Sanaullah plus representatives of allied parties. Committee to monitor governance and security daily and report to PM.

– *11-member KP Advisory Council / Governor’s Cabinet* notified to assist Governor in running province and security-related matters.

– *Special Focus on 12 Severely Affected Districts:* District administrators of these districts can report directly to federal government, bypassing normal provincial channel.

– *Law and Order Measures:* KP Police Chief issued instructions to all DPOs for security measures in case of protests. Roadblocks, suspension of public transport, closure of educational institutions, postponement of matric exams reported in Peshawar and Swabi. Several PTI workers arrested.

– *Duration:* Governor’s Rule for 2 months extendable to 6 months. Emergency remains indefinite until objectives achieved. Minister of State for Law said length depends on improvement in security situation.

*Opposition’s Stand in Assembly:*

Opposition benches termed the move as removal of an elected provincial government, undemocratic and politically motivated to stop PTI’s protest march demanding release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. They staged sloganeering, tore copies of agenda, and said PTI will challenge imposition in courts. Government responded that PTI is welcome to contest in court and present evidence in All Parties Conference.

*What Happens Next:*

1. Senate will now take up the resolution for endorsement within the 10-day constitutional deadline.
2. Legal challenge expected in Supreme Court and Peshawar High Court.
3. Federal government says it will hold All Parties Conference on KP security and invited PTI to participate.
4. Full-scale security operation in coordination with security forces to be launched in border districts.

This is the first time in Pakistan’s recent history that emergency under Article 232 and Governor’s Rule under Article 234 have been imposed together in KP, marking a major constitutional and political development.