Summary A resolution endorsing the KP emergency was presented in the National Assembly as Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar cited rising terrorism and security concerns.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A resolution seeking constitutional endorsement of the emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was presented in the National Assembly, where Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the federal government’s decision, citing rising terrorism and deteriorating law and order in the province. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also supported the move, calling the emergency a last resort.
National Assembly session begins late
The National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began 45 minutes behind schedule. Before the session, the speaker held consultations with coalition parties to finalise a strategy regarding constitutional endorsement of the emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Members of the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other allied parties attended the meeting.
Question hour suspended, resolution presented
At the outset of the session, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry requested the suspension of Question Hour. The proceedings were subsequently suspended, while the opposition opposed the motion.
Later, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented a resolution seeking endorsement of the emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Law minister defends emergency in KP
Speaking in the National Assembly, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said some lawmakers had argued that the elected provincial government had been removed through the imposition of an emergency. He explained that the decision was taken because of internal unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and cross-border infiltration.
He said the proposal to impose an emergency in the province was presented after two and a half hours of discussion during a cabinet meeting.
Tarar maintained that the emergency was imposed in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan and that constitutional powers had been exercised to protect state security, national unity and public welfare. He said the Constitution provided a clear mechanism for dealing with different situations and that deteriorating law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was among the main reasons behind the decision.
The law minister said 2,911 terrorism incidents had occurred in the province between 2021 and 2024, adding that the federal government was concerned about the increase in terrorist activities. He said terrorism had resurfaced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extraordinary circumstances required extraordinary measures.
Tarar criticises KP government’s approach to terrorism
Tarar alleged that Sohail Afridi had ignored the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in terrorist attacks. Instead of standing with terrorism victims, he said, the provincial leadership had embarked on visits and announced a march towards the federal capital rather than focusing on the province’s security situation.
The law minister alleged that the ideology of a political party had contributed to the rise of terrorism and said its approach appeared focused on capturing Islamabad. He maintained that the federal government had prioritised negotiations, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister had prioritised politics.
He said the entire nation had witnessed two days of consultations, during which the provincial chief minister allegedly ignored the worsening situation in the province.
PM Shehbaz says Centre had no choice but to impose governor's rule in KP
Tarar also said the release of an arrested person was a matter for the courts to decide. He added that demands had been made during negotiations that fell outside the executive’s authority, including requests for concessions and facilities for the PTI founder, who is in prison.
According to the law minister, the opposition had also demanded clarification about when the PTI founder would be released. He stressed that the state was more important than politics.
Heated exchange during law minister’s speech
A heated exchange of remarks took place between Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Shafqat Abbas during the minister’s speech. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari intervened by asking Shafqat Abbas to remain silent.
Tarar also cited figures on terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that 2,911 incidents had occurred over three years and 3,783 during the preceding year. He reiterated that the provincial government’s approach towards counterterrorism posed a threat to national security.
He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor had been raising concerns about the province’s worsening security situation for a long time.
Bilawal backs federal government’s decision
Addressing the National Assembly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Constitution empowered the president to declare an emergency. He said the federal government had made every possible effort to avoid taking the step and had attempted to find a political solution to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Bilawal said PTI had played a role in creating the circumstances that led to the emergency and held the provincial chief minister responsible for the situation. He announced his intention to vote in favour of the federal government’s decision.
He explained that Article 232 of the Constitution allowed the president to proclaim an emergency in the event of war, external aggression or internal disturbance beyond the control of a provincial government.
The PPP chairman said political differences must be set aside to develop an effective strategy against terrorism. He accused PTI of carrying out a political “suicide attack” and said the party’s provincial leadership had played a significant role in the prevailing circumstances.
Bilawal calls for political unity against terrorism
Bilawal said the opposition must acknowledge PTI’s role in the crisis and added that the provincial leadership should have provided a reason for the federal government not to proceed with the emergency.
He said the government had made every possible effort to engage the opposition and pursue a political settlement. According to Bilawal, he had received information late at night that negotiations were succeeding and that an understanding was being reached.
He said the provincial government had been prepared to declare terrorism-affected areas as areas affected by terrorists, and that an agreement was expected on how to jointly combat terrorism.
Bilawal said he had initially believed that the negotiations had achieved a major political breakthrough. He added that restricting political space for one party could eventually limit the political space available to all parties.
Questioning PTI’s approach, he asked the party to explain what its actions amounted to if they did not constitute a political suicide attack. He said the opposition had reportedly agreed that the provincial government would work collectively to counter terrorism.
PPP chairman urges government to resume talks
Bilawal urged the federal government to extend its hand towards dialogue once again, saying negotiations were necessary to find a middle ground and resolve the issue.
He said the emergency had been imposed out of necessity and was not intended to remain in place permanently. He stressed that the country needed unity to counter terrorism effectively.
The PPP chairman also referred to Pakistan’s role in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, saying the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was such that terrorism could not be tackled by the province alone.
He called for political differences to be set aside and for collective efforts to address the province’s security challenges.
