By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government is actively considering imposing governor’s rule in the restive province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a move that could suspend the provincial government and place authority directly under the federal administration, amid escalating concerns over security lapses and governance failures, a senior official said on Sunday.
Barrister Aqeel Malik, the minister of state for law and justice, attributed the potential step to what he described as the abject failure of the provincial leadership under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
“KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his team had ‘badly failed in having any sort of a workable situation,’” Malik said at a private television channel. “Neither do they want to have any kind of coordination or cohesion with the Centre, nor do they take any action in areas where it was needed.”
The minister emphasised that governor’s rule, a constitutional provision allowing the federal government to assume control of a province in times of crisis, was now under active review. “Given the situation, the governor’s rule was now being ‘seriously considered,’” he said, calling it a “constitutional measure” reserved for cases of “absolute necessity.”
“And I think, the situation in KP itself calls for a step to be taken in this regard so that the presence of an administrative structure is ensured there,” Malik added.
The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between the federal government in Islamabad and the provincial administration in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan and has long grappled with militancy and instability.
Malik invoked Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, which outline the mechanisms for such interventions, noting that the president holds the authority to act on the advice of the prime minister. “And the federal government is pondering [this option],” he said when asked if a decision had been finalised.
Pressed on the specifics of Article 234, which allows a provincial governor to recommend the imposition of governor’s rule to the president, Malik clarified that this was not the only pathway. “The president can take this step on his own as well […] the approval for which will later have to be taken by a joint sitting of [Parliament],” he explained. Under the Constitution, such rule can be imposed for an initial period of two months and extended if necessary.
The discussion also touched on the fate of the current governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, amid speculation about his possible replacement to facilitate the change. Malik described the matter as being at a “very nascent” stage.
Adding to the gravity of his accusations, Malik cited unspecified “reports” alleging that the provincial government was “planning to block routes and cut off the province” from the rest of Pakistan, a charge that could imply preparations for broader confrontation or isolation.
Earlier on Sunday, Governor Kundi expressed unawareness of any reports suggesting his imminent removal and affirmed his loyalty to his party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, should such a decision materialise.
Speaking to journalists who inquired about the rumors, Kundi responded with a mix of skepticism and resignation. When informed that “total six names” had emerged as potential successors, he asked pointedly, “Where have they surfaced?” The reporter replied that the names were circulating in media reports. “Now if the media will appoint the governor, then may God have mercy on us,” Kundi said. On the possibility of his ouster, he said simply, “I would ‘accept whatever the party’s decision will be.’”
Media speculation about Kundi’s position has intensified in recent days, though he had previously dismissed similar reports. At that time, he reiterated that he would “accept whatever decision will be taken by the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party.”
The uncertainty surrounding the governor’s role unfolded against the backdrop of a meeting last week between Kundi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the two discussed pressing issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the prospect of governor’s rule. Sharif had expressed “full confidence” in Kundi and indicated that the government had no plans to remove him. The conversation also encompassed broader administrative challenges in the province and the national political situation.
The possibility of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of roughly 40 million people, would mark a significant escalation in the standoff between the federal government and the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose supporters dominate the provincial assembly.
Meanwhile, local media reported that Kundi is likely to be replaced in the coming days, with federal authorities actively considering six candidates for the post. The shortlist includes three prominent political leaders and three retired senior security officials. The political figures under consideration are Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, senior vice president of the Awami National Party and a former chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, chairman of the Qaumi Watan Party and a longtime former federal minister; and Pervez Khattak, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians faction.
The retired military officers on the list are Lt. Gen. (retd) Khalid Rabbani, a former corps commander; Maj. Gen. (retd) Ghayur Mehmood, a former inspector general of the Frontier Corps; and Maj. Gen. (retd) Tariq Khan, also a former inspector general of the Frontier Corps.
Kundi was appointed governor in May 2024 on the recommendation of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and with the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari. A party stalwart, he previously served as deputy speaker of the National Assembly from 2008 to 2013 and as an adviser to the prime minister during the Pakistan Democratic Movement government.
The Pakistan Peoples Party, a key partner in Prime Minister Sharif’s administration, has sought to maintain influence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite the dominance there of the PTI, led imprisoned Khan.
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