Web Desk: The federal cabinet on Sunday endorsed the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) under Article 232 of the Constitution, following growing concerns over terrorism, law and order, and the security situation in the province.
The Federal Cabinet was briefed on the law and order situation and the worsening terrorism situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government’s deliberate apathy towards the war against terrorism, the Cabinet conducted a detailed review of the situation.
The Cabinet proposed to the Prime Minister that he advise the President that, in view of the seriousness of the situation, the President should use his constitutional powers to impose an emergency in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
In this regard, advice has been sent from the Prime Minister’s House to the Presidency.
The meeting was called at 9:30am to discuss the increasing number of terrorist attacks, security threats and governance issues in the PTI-led province.
Senior federal ministers and government officials attended the meeting, including Rana Sanaullah, Talal Chaudhry, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Mohsin Naqvi, Ishaq Dar, Ahad Cheema, Aleem Khan, Amir Muqam, Khawaja Asif, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Rana Tanveer Hussain.
During the meeting, the cabinet reviewed reports prepared by police, intelligence agencies and other security institutions. These reports focused on terrorist attacks, public safety and the provincial government’s handling of security challenges.
The discussions took place amid increasing tensions between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The main reason given by the federal government for considering an emergency is the worsening security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Several districts, particularly those near the Afghan border, have faced repeated terrorist attacks. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of residents and security personnel.
Federal officials have also expressed concern over the ongoing PTI long march led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
According to federal government officials, political protests at a time of serious security challenges could put additional pressure on police and other law enforcement agencies.
They have also warned that disruptions at security checkpoints could create opportunities for militants to move between different areas.
The federal government has further accused the provincial administration of using public resources for political activities. These allegations remain disputed political claims.
Article 232 of Pakistan’s Constitution allows the President to declare an emergency in certain serious situations, including war, external aggression or internal disturbances that a provincial government cannot control.
Such a decision must follow the constitutional process and requires parliamentary oversight.
A federal cabinet endorsement alone does not mean that an emergency has legally taken effect. A formal presidential proclamation and the required constitutional procedures are separate steps.
Governor’s rule is also a separate constitutional measure, mainly covered by Article 234.
Read more: Reports presented to cabinet as terrorism spirals out of control in KP
