ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s federal government has signalled it may impose governor’s rule in the PTI-led province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sharply escalating a political standoff with former prime minister Imran Khan’s party.
State Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik said the option of imposing governor’s rule under Article 232 of the Constitution was under consideration, describing the situation in the province as “concerning.”
Speaking on Dunya News programme “On the Front,” Malik cited governance-related problems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said residents of the province were facing difficulties.
Tarar Warns PTI Against Islamabad Protest
The remarks came as Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, addressing a ceremony in Peshawar, said the time had come for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to leave power rather than march towards Islamabad.
Tarar said the government would not permit PTI supporters to create disorder in the capital, and alleged that the party was acting as the “B team of TTP,” accusing it of activities aimed at fomenting chaos.
Escalating Federal-Provincial Standoff
The statements reflect heightened political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Khan’s party holds power.
- The federal government says governor’s rule under Article 232 remains an option.
- Ministers accuse PTI of links to militant activity and of plotting unrest.
- PTI has been warned against holding protests in Islamabad.
Governor’s rule would place the province under direct federal control, suspending the authority of the elected provincial government — a move likely to deepen an already volatile political confrontation.
