PESHAWAR: Governor’s rule has been imposed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) for the fourth time in the province’s history, transferring executive authority from the provincial government to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
The latest move comes amid growing security concerns and follows the federal government’s decision to introduce emergency measures in 12 districts under Article 232 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Under the arrangement, the provincial government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has been suspended, while Kundi is expected to administer the province with the assistance of an interim cabinet.
The latest development marks another major political shift in K-P, where previous instances of governor’s rule occurred in 1975, 1994 and 1999.
First imposition in 1975
The first instance of governor’s rule in K-P dates back to 1975, during the federal government of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The emergency followed the assassination of Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao, a prominent political leader, in a bomb blast while he was addressing a gathering at the Department of History at the University of Peshawar.
Following the assassination, the National Awami Party (NAP) was banned and several arrests were made as the province came under governor’s rule.
The episode marked a significant period of political upheaval in the province and strained relations between the federal government and opposition political forces.
Governor’s rule returns in 1994
The second imposition took place in 1994, when the federal government led by Benazir Bhutto moved against the provincial administration headed by Muslim League leader Pir Sabir Shah.
The political crisis involved the reported disappearance of assembly members and a no-confidence motion against Shah.
Following the developments, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao subsequently formed the provincial government.
The episode highlighted the political tensions between the federal and provincial administrations and the role of shifting parliamentary support in determining the province’s leadership.
Third imposition follows 1999 military takeover
Governor’s rule was imposed for the third time following the 1999 military takeover led by then-army chief Pervez Musharraf against the government of prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
During the political transition, Muslim League Governor Mian Gul Aurangzeb was removed and replaced by Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Shafiq.
Shafiq was later succeeded by Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Iftikhar Hussain, who administered the province with his own cabinet.
The arrangement continued until the formation of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) government in November-December 2002.
Govt says month-long efforts preceded emergency in K-P
Fourth imposition under PTI government
The latest imposition marks the fourth time governor’s rule has been introduced in the province.
The PTI-led provincial government under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has been suspended, with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi set to oversee provincial administration alongside an interim cabinet.
Unlike previous instances, the current arrangement coincides with the declaration of an emergency in 12 districts, reflecting the federal government’s stated concerns over the security situation.
The move has also intensified political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led administration in K-P.
Emergency declared in 12 districts
The emergency measures cover 12 districts, including eight merged tribal districts that were formerly part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
These include Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, North Waziristan, South Waziristan Upper and South Waziristan Lower.
The remaining four districts are Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
According to the report, the emergency applies throughout the Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions and partially affects the Peshawar, Kohat and Malakand divisions.
The Hazara and Mardan divisions remain exempt from the measures.
Internet disruption adds to confusion
The disruption of internet services has added to uncertainty across the province, causing confusion among residents as the emergency measures take effect.
The situation has created further challenges for communication at a time of heightened political tension and security concerns.
With governor’s rule now imposed for the fourth time, attention is expected to remain focused on the interim administrative arrangements, the scope of the emergency measures and their implications for the provincial government and residents of K-P.
