Political Uncertainty Grows in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Amid Centre-Province Tensions
Governor’s rule, emergency and possible changes in provincial setup reportedly under discussion
PESHAWAR: Political uncertainty in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has increased as tensions between the federal and provincial governments continue, with several possible political and constitutional options reportedly being discussed.
Sources cited in local reports said the federal government was considering options including governor’s rule and emergency amid concerns over the province’s security and political situation. The PTI-led provincial government, meanwhile, has been reported to be considering options such as an in-house change or dissolution of the provincial assembly.
The situation has remained tense following PTI’s planned Islamabad march. The protest date was moved from September 27 to October 4, but differences between the federal and provincial governments have continued.
There has also been discussion about possible action against Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, including a no-confidence motion, a change in leadership or dissolution of the provincial assembly.
What the Constitution Says
Under Article 136 of the Constitution, a no-confidence resolution against a chief minister can be moved with the support of at least 20% of the total membership of the provincial assembly. The resolution cannot be voted on before three days or later than seven days after it is moved. If it is passed by a majority of the assembly’s total membership, the chief minister ceases to hold office.
The Constitution also provides a mechanism under which the governor can require a chief minister to obtain a vote of confidence if there is reason to believe that the chief minister no longer commands a majority in the provincial assembly.
CM Afridi Calls for Cooperation
Amid the political uncertainty, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said his government did not want a confrontation with the federal government.
During a press conference in Dera Ismail Khan, Afridi said the provincial government wanted greater cooperation from the Centre to address terrorism, improve security and protect civilians and security personnel.
He called for the K-P government and local stakeholders to be included in discussions on counter-terrorism policy, arguing that the province had been heavily affected by militant violence.
Afridi also criticised policies that he said were being developed without adequate consultation with the provincial government. He warned that statements that could increase tensions between provinces would further complicate the situation.
Provincial Government Highlights Security Spending
The chief minister said his government had allocated Rs35 billion for peace and security after taking office, with the funds intended to strengthen police and other law-enforcement institutions.
Afridi also raised concerns about equipment that he said had been ordered from federal institutions. He claimed that the K-P government had made payments for armoured personnel carriers through Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), but had yet to receive the required equipment.
He also referred to the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), saying funds had been provided but the expected equipment had not yet been delivered.
Calls for a Change in Counter-Terrorism Policy
Afridi argued that previous security strategies had not succeeded in eliminating terrorism and called for a policy based more closely on conditions on the ground.
He urged the federal government to consult provincial authorities and other stakeholders before making major decisions concerning security in K-P.
The political dispute comes as the security situation in the province remains a major concern. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has previously acknowledged that consultations over governor’s rule had taken place, while federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had earlier said the government had no intention of imposing governor’s rule in the province.
During his visit to Dera Ismail Khan, Afridi also visited a hospital to meet people injured in the reported attack on Aman Mela Check Post. Former K-P chief minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur accompanied him during the visit.
