No decision on Governor’s rule or emergency in KP; 12 districts under consideration

The federal government has not yet decided to impose Governor’s Rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highly placed sources

ISLAMABAD:  The federal government has not yet decided to impose Governor’s Rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highly placed sources told Minute Mirror. However, sources said an emergency could be considered in 12 districts, including merged tribal districts, if the provincial government fails to implement the National Action Plan (NAP) effectively.

According to sources, the matter is linked to counterterrorism efforts, governance and coordination between the federal and provincial governments, rather than PTI’s proposed long march.

Security Concerns and Pakistan’s Image

Sources said the state has serious concerns regarding the Pak-Afghan border, regional security, Pakistan’s international image and the government’s authority. They argued that political instability could undermine the country’s diplomatic achievements and international partnerships.

The sources also alleged that PTI protests had coincided with major international engagements, including the 2014 sit-in during the Chinese president’s planned visit to Pakistan. They claimed that similar political activity could affect Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts amid ongoing security challenges.

Long March Faces Restrictions

Sources maintained that the proposed long march would not be allowed to enter Islamabad in violation of court orders, irrespective of whether an emergency was imposed.

They said Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed had informed Chief Minister Sohail Afridi that they were bound to follow Islamabad High Court orders.

The court has reportedly restricted protests and sit-ins around the Red Zone and D-Chowk, making demonstrations subject to permission from the district administration. Federal authorities have instructed officials to ensure compliance with the orders, sources added.

Emergency May Cover 12 Districts

According to sources, any emergency under consideration could be limited to 12 districts experiencing significant terrorism threats rather than extending across the entire province.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has cited 6,200 terrorism incidents and 1,200 deaths over two years, alongside 37 suicide attacks allegedly carried out by Afghan nationals. He has also highlighted police personnel shortages, vacant positions and weaknesses in the Counter Terrorism Department’s capacity in merged districts.

Asif further questioned the handling of funds allocated for rebuilding police check posts. Separately, Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the KP government of failing to address alleged smuggling, illegal mining and other unlawful activities. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Political Pressure on Chief Minister

Sources close to the chief minister claimed that some senior PTI leaders had reservations about holding the march amid heightened border tensions and security risks. However, they alleged that pressure from Imran Khan’s supporters, his family and the party’s social media activists had complicated the situation.

Sources also pointed to internal party differences and concerns about political survival. They claimed that some leaders privately believed court proceedings offered a more effective route to securing Khan’s release than street protests.

The sources further suggested that turnout concerns and pressure from rival party groups had increased the challenges facing Afridi.

High-Level Meeting Expected

Sources said a high-level meeting was expected on October 10 under President Asif Ali Zardari, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior civil and military officials, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, expected to attend. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi were also expected to participate.

The meeting is expected to review NAP implementation and the security situation.

For now, sources maintained that no final decision had been taken on Governor’s Rule or an emergency. They said the government’s priorities remained counterterrorism, coordination between federal and provincial authorities, and enforcement of court orders governing protests in Islamabad.