Governor’s rule in KP moved closer to a formal decision on Sunday as the federal government called a cabinet meeting to discuss emergency options for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawn reported. The talks come while the opposition PTI continues a long march through the province.
What the government is considering
According to Dawn, PML-N and PPP leaders finalized a plan on Saturday to bring the province under federal control. The plan relies on Articles 232, 233 and 234 of the Constitution. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the federal cabinet to meet on Sunday, Oct. 11. In addition, separate National Assembly and Senate sessions will start on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said there was no room left to avoid an emergency in the province. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed that the cabinet would discuss both emergency and governor’s rule options. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said the government was reviewing multiple options.
What the constitutional articles say
Dawn explained that Article 232 lets the President proclaim a provincial emergency in specific circumstances. Article 233 allows the suspension of certain fundamental rights during an emergency. Article 234 permits governor’s rule when a provincial government cannot function under the Constitution. Under that article, the President can take over the functions of the provincial government.
Chief minister rejects the move
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Saturday that he would not accept any illegal move, including governor’s rule or an emergency. He spoke to supporters in Charsadda and Mardan. Afridi also said arrests would not weaken PTI workers, and he urged the public to back the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Where the march stands
The PTI march began on Oct. 4 from Lakki Marwat, after talks with the federal government broke down. Dawn reported that the convoy reached Mardan on its seventh day. The final destination remains unconfirmed, and the route has changed several times. As a result, party leaders plan to announce the next steps on Oct. 13 at the Swabi Interchange, where convoys from several districts are due to gather.
On Saturday, the prime minister also met President Asif Zardari and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Fazlur Rehman then met PTI leaders to pass on the government’s position. However, a JUI-F leader said the final decision rests with the government and the PTI.
The province already faces other pressure. Separately, an Election Commission official was shot dead in Tank. Wire Examiner will update this story after the cabinet decision.
Sources: Dawn.
