The federal government has moved a resolution in the National Assembly seeking constitutional ratification of the governor’s rule and emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to details, the National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began 45 minutes late. Before the session, the speaker held an important consultative meeting with allied parties, during which a course of action regarding ratification of the emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was decided.

At the outset of the session, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry requested that Question Hour be suspended, which was approved.  He then presented the resolution for ratification of the emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the House. Speaking in the House, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the imposition of emergency, saying that the decision was taken in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan because of internal unrest, the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and infiltration from across the border. 

He said the step was taken after more than two and a half hours of deliberations by the federal cabinet to ensure the security and unity of the state and the welfare of the people. He said 2,911 terrorist incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 2021 to 2024, while the number rose to 3,783 during the past year, causing serious concern for the federal government.  He alleged that the KP government ignored the sacrifices of security forces and civilians and, instead of focusing on security, announced plans to march on the federal capital.

The law minister said that terrorism was encouraged by the ideology and non-cooperation of a political party.  He said that during negotiations, the PTI demanded Imran Khan’s release and facilities in prison, matters that were not within the executive’s authority but were at the discretion of the courts.  “For us, the state is more important than politics,” he said. During the law minister’s speech, opposition members also engaged in uproar and an exchange of heated remarks, after which PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar asked his members to remain quiet.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)