ISLAMABAD: An emergency has been declared in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid a deteriorating law and order situation and a rise in terrorist attacks. Governor’s rule has also been announced in the province after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the relevant order, paving the way for the implementation of the decision.
According to a statement issued by the President’s House, the president issued the proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan. The statement cited an increase in terrorist incidents and the worsening security situation in the province as key reasons for imposing the emergency.
The President’s House said terrorist attacks targeting government installations, infrastructure and law enforcement agencies had increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It added that the provincial government had failed to take effective measures to curb terrorism and lawlessness.
The presidential proclamation also stated that the provincial government could no longer be carried on in accordance with the Constitution under the prevailing circumstances, necessitating extraordinary constitutional measures.
Under the announcement, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor will be able to perform provincial government functions assigned by the federal government. The governor will also exercise the powers of provincial institutions and authorities other than the provincial assembly, as specified in the proclamation.
The statement further said that the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and the advocate general would have to leave their offices immediately.
The measures are expected to bring significant changes to the province’s administrative structure.
