ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has imposed an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Article 232 of the Constitution on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official statement issued by the President’s House.
The presidential proclamation cites a sharp escalation in terrorist incidents and a serious deterioration in the law and order situation in the province as the primary reasons for the decision.
According to the statement, the growing intensity of terrorist attacks has posed serious threats to the lives and property of citizens. It also points to increased attacks on government installations, critical infrastructure and law enforcement agencies.
The proclamation alleges that the provincial government has failed to demonstrate the necessary commitment and take effective measures to counter terrorism and lawlessness.
The President’s House said a report submitted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor highlighted a breakdown in the constitutional system and raised concerns about the provincial government’s ability to function in accordance with the Constitution.
President Zardari described immediate constitutional intervention as necessary in view of the grave emergency situation in the province.
The proclamation has been issued under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, according to the official statement.
Under the announced measures, the federal government will be able to direct the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to assume responsibility for all or some functions of the provincial government.
The governor will exercise the provincial government’s functions assigned by the federal government. Other provincial authorities and institutions, excluding the provincial assembly, may also exercise their powers under federal government directions.
The proclamation further states that the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be exercised by Parliament or under its authority.
The chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general will cease to hold their offices with immediate effect, according to the announcement.
The President’s House confirmed that the presidential proclamation takes effect immediately.