Islamabad: A joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday approved the imposition of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), amid strong opposition protests and a heated debate over the federal government's decision.
The Centre imposed the measures on October 11, citing the provincial government's alleged failure to cooperate in counterterrorism operations. The move rendered the PTI led provincial administration nonfunctional.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented separate resolutions under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. Earlier, lawmakers approved a procedural motion by 214 votes to 56, allowing the resolutions to be tabled.
Defending the decision, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal government had exhausted efforts to reach an understanding with the KP administration.
He claimed the Centre had proposed declaring an emergency in 12 districts during negotiations but failed to secure an agreement.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the provincial administration had repeatedly been urged to cooperate in combating terrorism. He maintained that governor's rule was imposed under constitutional provisions.
Opposition lawmakers rejected the government's justification.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan demanded an apology over allegations that the provincial government supported terrorists. He rejected the emergency proclamation and expressed willingness to resume dialogue if the party's demands were addressed.
National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai questioned the whereabouts of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and attributed the political crisis to what he described as flawed decisions.
JUI F Senator Kamran Murtaza challenged the constitutional basis of governor's rule, arguing that Parliament had not been presented with documentary evidence or the governor's report justifying the measure.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman defended her party's commitment to constitutional governance and disputed opposition claims that government representatives had abandoned earlier negotiations.
The National Assembly and Senate had separately endorsed the emergency proclamation on Wednesday.
Under Article 234, governor's rule requires parliamentary oversight and cannot remain in force beyond the constitutional maximum of six months.
The decision deepens the confrontation between the Centre and the PTI, with questions over provincial autonomy, counterterrorism coordination and the restoration of elected governance remaining unresolved.
