ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet will meet at 9:30am on Sunday to take up the question of imposing an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Tribune reported, as the Centre weighs constitutional options amid the PTI’s ongoing protest march.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the meeting. Sources said the cabinet is expected to consider both options and, if it agrees, approve advice to be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari. An emergency would take effect after presidential approval.
The meeting follows Saturday’s huddle between President Zardari and the prime minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where they reviewed the political and security situation with a focus on K-P. The PTI launched its long march on October 4, and tensions between the Centre and the PTI-led provincial government have risen steadily since.
According to sources, the president and the prime minister reached an understanding on the possibility of governor’s rule or an emergency in the province. The final decision rests with the federal cabinet, and no formal announcement had been made at the time of reporting. The Presidency’s media wing added that separate sessions of the National Assembly and the Senate had been agreed upon for October 13.
The prime minister was assisted by senior cabinet members including Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Naqvi and Azam Nazeer Tarar.
The development comes a day after the PML-N and the PPP finalised a plan to bring K-P under federal control, either through governor’s rule or an emergency, as the confrontation between the Centre and the PTI deepens.
Governor’s written grounds for the K-P emergency
Sources said K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had sent the prime minister a written explanation of the grounds for emergency measures about a week ago, meeting one of the legal requirements for the proposed intervention.
The reported advice argues the province’s law and order has deteriorated to a point where an emergency is necessary. The Cabinet Division is expected to place the summary before the cabinet on Sunday, possibly through circulation, with a notification to follow the required approvals.
The proposals also include administrative changes: the incumbent chief secretary could be replaced with a stronger administrator, and other senior officials transferred.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry had already warned the government was “seriously” considering an emergency in K-P over law and order.
Twelve districts named in emergency plan
Sources indicated the government is considering an emergency in 12 districts: the eight merged tribal districts — Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan — along with Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
Another proposal would transfer certain provincial powers to the federal government.
Rana Sanaullah had earlier tied governor’s rule in K-P to counterterrorism cooperation rather than the long march.
“We have no room left now”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking informally to journalists, indicated the government’s options had narrowed sharply.
“What scope remains for not imposing an emergency?” he asked, urging journalists to consider how the standoff could be resolved.
Naqvi said the government had made extensive efforts to find a solution. “We have no room left now,” he said.
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has rejected governor’s rule as an “illegal move”, vowing not to accept it as the PTI’s march continues through the province.
Fazlur Rehman favours more talks
Separately, the prime minister contacted JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, congratulated him on performing Umrah and invited him to the Prime Minister’s House. Fazl accepted the invitation.
Sources said Fazl favoured giving political negotiations more time and that the PTI had remained in contact with him. The coming consultations are expected to focus on K-P and ways to reduce tensions.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called governor’s rule a last option for K-P, warning the PTI against what he termed extremist politics.
Frequently asked questions
When will the federal cabinet decide on the K-P emergency?
The cabinet meets at 9:30am on Sunday, October 11, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. If it agrees, advice will go to President Asif Ali Zardari, and an emergency would take effect after his approval.
What is the difference between governor’s rule and an emergency?
Governor’s rule places the province under the governor’s direct administration. An emergency under Article 232 is proclaimed when the country’s security or economic life is threatened. The cabinet is weighing both for K-P.
Which districts could come under the emergency?
Sources named 12 districts: the eight merged tribal districts plus Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
Why is the Centre considering this step?
The government says law and order in K-P has deteriorated and the provincial government has failed to curb terrorism. The move also comes amid the PTI’s long march, which began on October 4.
