By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament has approved the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with both the National Assembly and Senate passing resolutions amid strong protests from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers.
The Senate approved the resolution by a majority on Wednesday after PTI members chanted slogans and staged a walkout.
Earlier, the National Assembly had also endorsed the measure following more than four hours of debate.
PTI has challenged the imposition of the emergency and governor’s rule in the Peshawar High Court, intensifying the political confrontation between the federal government and the opposition party.
Parliament Endorses Emergency Measures
The Senate session was chaired by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, while Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary presented the resolution seeking approval for the emergency in KP.
Despite opposition protests, the resolution was passed by a majority vote.
Earlier, the National Assembly adopted a resolution endorsing the presidential proclamation issued on October 11. The resolution cited the second proviso of Article 232(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution as the basis for parliamentary approval.
The lower house witnessed heated exchanges between government and opposition lawmakers before the resolution was passed. The session was subsequently adjourned until 11am on Friday.
Government Cites Security Concerns
The federal government announced the emergency measures and governor’s rule following a cabinet meeting. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the move on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The government has justified its decision by citing an increase in militant attacks and concerns over the provincial administration’s handling of counterterrorism operations.
Islamabad has invoked Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, which address emergency powers and circumstances involving the functioning of provincial governments under constitutional requirements.
However, PTI leaders have rejected the government’s allegations, accusing it of using security concerns to undermine the party’s political position in the province.
The decision came as PTI was preparing a long march from KP to Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.
PTI Challenges Emergency in Peshawar High Court PTI has approached the Peshawar High Court to challenge both the emergency and the imposition of governor’s rule, setting the stage for a legal battle over the federal government’s intervention in the province.
The parliamentary approvals have further intensified tensions between the federal government and the former PTI-led provincial administration over security policy and constitutional authority.
Meanwhile, the federal government has approved the establishment of an Area Development Secretariat to oversee governance, security and development in several southern and former tribal districts of KP.
The proposed initiative will cover areas including Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kurram and North Waziristan, according to the report.
