Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has rejected threats of governor’s rule, saying pressure from the federal government will not change his position. His comments come amid growing tensions between Islamabad and the PTI-led provincial government.
The dispute centres on security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government’s approach to countering terrorism. Meanwhile, federal ministers have discussed governor’s rule as a constitutional option.
Sohail Afridi Rejects Governor’s Rule Threat
Afridi spoke at a meeting in Peshawar and rejected calls for governor’s rule or an emergency in the province. He also called for greater consultation with the provincial government, administration and police before Islamabad adopts any new security policy.
The KP chief minister said his government was strengthening the Special Branch. He also said authorities were providing modern weapons and equipment to the police.
However, Afridi argued that additional police resources alone could not solve the province’s security problems. He called for changes in federal policy to address the wider situation.
Meanwhile, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan rejected criticism from federal ministers. He said the province itself had suffered heavily from terrorism and opposed what he described as pressure from the federal government.
Federal Government Keeps Option Open
The federal government has also discussed the possibility of governor’s rule in KP. Federal Minister Amir Muqam said on September 28 that the legal requirements for such a move had been met.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also referred to the relevant constitutional provisions. He said the government could use those provisions if the required circumstances existed.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has separately discussed the same constitutional option. On September 28, he said serious deterioration in law and order could lead to such a step. He also urged the provincial government to improve governance and restore peace.
However, officials have not imposed governor’s rule in KP. The issue remains part of the wider political and constitutional dispute between the federal and provincial governments.
What Does the Constitution Say?
Article 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution sets out a mechanism for dealing with a province when its government cannot function according to the Constitution.
The provision allows the President to issue a proclamation after receiving a report from the provincial governor. The Constitution also sets specific requirements for such action.
For now, KP CM Sohail Afridi remains opposed to governor’s rule. His government continues to defend its position on security policy, while federal officials continue to discuss constitutional options amid concerns over law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
