Situation peaceful after proclamation; Apex Committee meeting called for tomorrow

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has entered a significant constitutional phase following the reported imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule

PESHAWAR / ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has entered a significant constitutional phase following the reported imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The move was reportedly approved by President Asif Ali Zardari on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the information provided, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi chaired a special security meeting at Governor House in Peshawar, where officials reviewed the province’s law and order situation, border management and ongoing counterterrorism operations. The briefing stated that the situation remained peaceful and normal across the province following the proclamation.

The governor reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace in KP, saying the province should become a “cradle of peace.”

Apex Committee meeting scheduled

A meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee has been called for October 12 to review the security situation, implementation of the National Action Plan and measures under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative.

The committee brings together civilian and military leadership to discuss security challenges and coordinate counterterrorism efforts. The meeting is expected to focus on intelligence-based operations and measures to improve law and order.

Advisory council reportedly formed

The federal government has reportedly established an 11-member technocratic advisory council to assist Governor Kundi in provincial administrative matters. The proposed members include Tariq Mahmood Pasha for finance and revenue, Samar Haroon Bilour for information, retired Lieutenant General Nigar Johar for health, Dr Syed Amir Abdullah for education and Kifayatullah Khan for home and tribal affairs.

Other advisers are expected to oversee areas including law, energy, local government, industries and mines.

PTI raises concerns over developments

KP Information Minister Shafi Jan claimed that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was taken into custody shortly after the proclamation while leading a PTI march towards Islamabad. This claim requires independent confirmation.

Reports in the supplied account also mention the deployment of police and containers in parts of Peshawar, alongside restrictions on mobile and internet services in selected urban areas.

Meanwhile, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfikar Hameed reportedly issued operational instructions to district police officers in anticipation of possible demonstrations. The guidelines included deploying anti-riot personnel, protecting police stations and public facilities, recording demonstrations and coordinating with district administrations and other law enforcement agencies.

Background to the crisis

The developments reportedly followed the breakdown of talks between the federal government and PTI on October 3 over counterterrorism policy in KP. The situation intensified as the PTI-led provincial government prepared for a march towards Islamabad.

On October 4, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Governor Kundi to discuss the deteriorating security situation and the possibility of constitutional intervention. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently chaired a high-level meeting on October 10, attended by senior government officials and legal advisers.

According to the supplied information, sessions of the National Assembly and Senate have been summoned for October 13 to consider the proclamation.

The federal government has reportedly justified the move on security grounds, arguing that stronger measures are needed to address terrorism. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan opposed the decision, maintaining that emergency measures would not resolve the underlying political and security challenges.

The upcoming Apex Committee meeting and parliamentary proceedings are expected to shape the next phase of developments in the province.