President Zardari imposes emergency in KP under articles 232 and 234; governor’s rule enforced

President Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly imposed a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232(1) and 234(1)

ISLAMABAD:  President Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly imposed a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan, with the proclamation taking effect immediately.

According to Presidential Proclamation No. 2-2/2026-Min-I, published in an extraordinary issue of The Gazette of Pakistan on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the decision follows an alleged escalation in terrorist attacks and extremist activities across the province. The proclamation cites growing security concerns and questions the provincial government’s ability to maintain law and order.

The document states that extremist activities and terrorist incidents have reached an unprecedented level of intensity, creating serious threats to the lives and property of citizens. It also refers to attacks targeting infrastructure, government installations and law enforcement agencies, describing the situation as a significant challenge to public safety and the state’s authority.

According to the proclamation, the provincial government has failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment and resolve to tackle terrorism and restore law and order. It alleges that the authorities’ response has been inadequate, allowing militant groups to operate with increasing freedom in different parts of the province.

The document further refers to a report submitted by the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which reportedly identifies a breakdown of the constitutional machinery. On this basis, the proclamation states that the provincial government can no longer be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.

President Zardari has reportedly expressed satisfaction that a grave emergency exists beyond the capacity of the provincial administration to control. The situation, according to the document, poses a threat not only to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also to the wider security of Pakistan.

Under the measures outlined in the proclamation, the federal government may direct the governor to assume, on its behalf, some or all functions of the provincial government. The governor may also exercise powers vested in provincial bodies and authorities, excluding the Provincial Assembly under the specified provision.

The proclamation also provides that the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly may be exercised by or under the authority of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). Furthermore, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and the provincial advocate general would cease to hold their respective offices under the stated orders.

The proclamation declares that the measures have come into force with immediate effect.

Following the announcement, the federal government has reportedly issued Order No. 1/2026, establishing an 11-member Advisory Council to assist the governor in carrying out the responsibilities specified in the order. The document also announces the appointment of Sana Ullah Advocate as the new Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The notification bears the signatures of President Asif Ali Zardari and Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal.

The reported measures represent a major constitutional development with potentially far-reaching consequences for provincial governance, the functioning of elected institutions and the federal government’s role in managing the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.