ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan has declared a state of emergency and instituted Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following a recommendation from the Prime Minister, citing deteriorating law and order as the primary cause. This move effectively dissolves the provincial government, transferring its powers and responsibilities to the Governor, who will be supported by an eleven-member Advisory Council.

According to Radio Pakistan, the decision was announced by Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar during a joint press conference in Islamabad, where he was joined by other federal leaders. The minister explained that the emergency declaration was made under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, enabling the federal government to assume control over the province. The measure comes amid a reported 196 percent increase in terrorism and extremism incidents over the past two and a half years, alongside a lack of cooperation from the provincial government in counter-terrorism efforts.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed that the army has been deployed to assist in maintaining order, while separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate are expected soon to endorse these steps. The Interior Minister emphasized that the federal government had made concerted efforts to engage the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in dialogue to collectively address terrorism but found these attempts unproductive.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar accused the provincial government of complicity with terrorist groups, alleging that it allowed militants to operate freely. He introduced the new members of the Advisory Council, who will manage various departments under the Governor’s leadership.

MNA Samar Bilour expressed support for the federal actions, noting relief among the province’s residents due to the deteriorating security situation in recent years. The press conference underscored the federal government’s stance that a unified approach is crucial in combating terrorism, with the hope that the new administrative arrangement will lead to improved governance and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.