Tazeen Akhtar
Finally the Federal Government has done what was feared. Emergency and Governor Rule have been imposed simultaneously in the province KP that was being ruled by opposition Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf of Imran Khan for last 12 years consecutively winning three elections in this province. And now we will see how far the federation can tackle with the fallout of this non democratic act that is selective if we see the same situation in Balochistan with no such action there.
Federal Govenment has mentioned Terrorism and bad governance in the province to justify the non democratic step taken on 11 Oct Sunday that is only 24 hours before 12 Oct , a day when the elected gov of Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the then Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf’s loyal generals on 12 Oct 1999.
Question is , KP only is Terrorism ridden province and Balochistan is peaceful ? If KP deserves ousting of the provincial gov , why Balochistan has been spared that has been more affected by terrorism than KP.
Pakistan’s official stance on terrorism is, they come from Afghanistan and they are supported by India. A commoner is at a loss to understand where KP gov stands here? to be punished by the center? Is there a change ? Terrorists come from Afghanistan in Balochistan only ? Moreover, the infiltration of terrorists is the subject of border control that is not governed by the provincial gov.
The new wave of terrorism in KP was started soon after PTI gov announced a long march on Islamabad. Another big political party with religious background JUI and its leader Maulana Fazl ur Rehman openly blame the center and security establishment for what is happening in KP and Balochistan.
The Federal Government has imposed two things together – Emergency + Governor’s Rule.They are not the same, but they are imposed together under two different Articles:
1. Emergency under Article 232
This is imposed when security of Pakistan or any part is threatened by war, external aggression or internal disturbance beyond the power of provincial government to control.
In current notification, reason given is: rising terrorism, attacks on government installations, deteriorating law and order in KP.
What happens during this Emergency:
Federal government can give directions to province on how to exercise its executive authority, Parliament can make laws on provincial subjects, It does NOT automatically dissolve the provincial assembly
2. Governor’s Rule under Article 234
This is imposed when President is satisfied, on Governor’s report, that government of the province cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
In KP, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sent a report saying constitutional machinery has become dysfunctional.
What happens during Governor’s Rule: President assumes functions of provincial government. Governor gets full authority to run the province on orders of Federal Government. Chief Minister, all ministers, advisers, special assistants and Advocate General are removed from office immediately.
Provincial Assembly remains, but Parliament can exercise its legislative powers.
What is the procedure?
This is not final until Parliament approves: Governor sends report to PM. PM sends summary to President who approves it – which President Asif Ali Zardari did today on Cabinet advice. Parliament must approve within 10 days and a joint sitting must be held within 30 days. If not approved, it expires after 2 months.
Why now in KP?
According to official statements: Federal Cabinet said KP government showed “deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism”Talks between Federal Government and PTI / CM Sohail Afridi failed. PTI protest march from KP towards Islamabad.
PTI calls it overthrow of elected government and against provincial autonomy, while Federal Government says it is “now or never” moment for security.
In simple words: KP is now under direct control of Islamabad through the Governor, until Parliament decides otherwise or courts intervene.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa oppose terrorism and that serious efforts will now be made to tackle it. Faisal Karim Kundi noted that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa welcome the decision made by the President of Pakistan. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have resolved that they can no longer coexist with *Fitna-ul-Khawarij* and terrorists; instead, they will confront them alongside state institutions.
He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa desire fraternal relations with the federation and other provinces, while also seeking development within their own province.
Faisal Karim Kundi urged the public not to take the law into their own hands or participate in riots and unrest, warning that anyone who violates the law will be dealt with with an iron hand.
Governor seems to be enthusiastic in this state of affairs but he needs to keep in mind that now he will be responsible for everything that happenes in this province including terrorism, bad governance, instability due to protests of PTI etc. This is a very hard task for Faisal that can expose his qualification to control the situation. He belongs to PPP that is the least popular party in this province. Lets see how much cooperation the other anti PTI parties extend to him ………………….
