President Asif Zardari Approves Governor’s Rule and Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari signed a summary imposing emergency and Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing deteriorating law and order and constitutional breakdown.
PothikTV News Desk: 11 October 2026, 8:34 am
President Asif Ali Zardari signed a summary submitted by the Prime Minister to impose emergency and Governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A presidential declaration was officially issued concerning the enforcement of emergency under Article 232 of the Constitution in the province.
According to the presidential declaration, the decision was taken in response to the rising incidents of terrorism and a severe breakdown of law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The statement noted an extraordinary surge in terrorist activities, which poses grave threats to peace and stability across the region.
The declaration highlighted a marked increase in terrorist attacks targeting government installations and law enforcement agencies. It added that the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has failed to take effective steps to counter terrorism and lawlessness within its jurisdiction.
The presidential decree pointed out that a report submitted by the Governor indicated a complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery. The report affirmed that the provincial administration was no longer functioning in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, making immediate constitutional intervention necessary.
The proclamation was formally issued under Article 232(1) and Article 234(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan. The decree stated that under current circumstances, the governance of the province cannot be conducted in accordance with constitutional norms.
Under the emergency measures, the federal government can direct the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to assume all or any functions of the provincial executive. The Governor will discharge the functions of the provincial government as delegated by the federal authority.
The declaration further specified that the Governor may exercise all or part of the executive powers of the province, excluding legislative powers, under instructions from the federal government. Meanwhile, the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be exercised by or under the authority of the Parliament.
As an immediate consequence of the order, the Chief Minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, and the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must vacate their offices immediately. The presidential order takes effect right away across the province.
