The federal government on Sunday imposed emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the cabinet’s recommendations under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.
The decision followed a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where members expressed concern over the provincial government’s alleged lack of engagement in counterterrorism efforts amid the deteriorating security situation.
The government also appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan, a Grade 22 Pakistan Administrative Service officer previously serving as secretary of the Power Division, as the province’s chief secretary with immediate effect..
Addressing the cabinet, PM Shehbaz said political differences with the PTI-led provincial government would not be allowed to undermine economic stability. He also condemned terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and urged Afghanistan to take action against militant groups.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia following a recent Houthi attack and expressed hope that the country would receive a $1.2 billion IMF tranche before the end of the year.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
