Federal Government Imposes Emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The federal government has imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the federal cabinet’s recommendations on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
According to a statement from the President House, the measures were approved under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, which deal with the proclamation of an emergency and the imposition of governor’s rule in a province.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Cabinet members were briefed on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and discussed concerns about the provincial government’s role in counterterrorism efforts.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the cabinet expressed concern over what it described as the provincial government’s deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism. Members subsequently recommended that the prime minister advise the president to exercise his constitutional powers in view of the situation.
Following the approval, the federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan as the chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to an official notification, the appointment takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further orders.
Dr Irfan is a Grade 22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service who previously served as secretary of the Power Division at the federal Ministry of Energy. He belongs to Mardan.
The Constitution’s Article 232 provides for the declaration of an emergency when Pakistan’s security is threatened by war, external aggression or internal disturbances beyond a provincial government’s ability to control. It also outlines the parliamentary approval process for an emergency proclamation.
Article 234 deals with the failure of constitutional machinery in a province and provides the framework for imposing governor’s rule. Article 233, meanwhile, addresses the suspension of certain fundamental rights during an emergency.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government could not be allowed to undermine the country’s economic stability. His remarks came amid continuing tensions between the federal government and the KP administration.
The prime minister also expressed concern over the loss of civilian and security personnel in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He referred to the deaths of ordinary citizens, police officers, security personnel, women and children, describing the violence as deeply distressing.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had repeatedly urged neighbouring Afghanistan to take action against terrorist elements, adding that Islamabad continued to seek regional peace and security.
During the meeting, the prime minister also condemned a recent deadly Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the kingdom. He emphasised the longstanding relationship between the two countries and said Pakistan would oppose aggression against Saudi Arabia.
On the economic front, Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that Pakistan would receive an International Monetary Fund tranche worth $1.2 billion before the end of the year. He referred to a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last month.
The prime minister praised the political and military leadership for their efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline. He also highlighted his recent visit to London, where he met senior executives from major international financial institutions.
Shehbaz Sharif further noted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East, crediting the country’s leadership for continuing to pursue peace through international cooperation.
