KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Says He Will Exercise Constitutional Powers If Centre Declares Emergency

Key points:

• Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said he is ready to invoke his constitutional authority if the federal government declares a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Provincial leaders, including Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Naqvi, warned that law‑and‑order is deteriorating and urged the centre to consider all legal options.
• Police forces have been placed on heightened alert across the province as security preparations intensify ahead of a large PTI rally.
• The governor’s statement highlights the tension between provincial autonomy and federal emergency powers under Pakistan’s constitution.

Peshawar – In a public address on Tuesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi affirmed his willingness to carry out the duties prescribed by the constitution should the federal government deem a state of emergency necessary in the province. Kundi’s remarks come as the provincial administration grapples with a surge in street protests, sectarian clashes and political confrontations that have left officials describing the security situation as “volatile.”

Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Naqvi echoed the governor’s concerns, noting that the province’s law‑enforcement agencies are already operating at “maximum readiness.” Both leaders urged Islamabad to explore every constitutional mechanism available to restore stability, underscoring the delicate balance between the governor’s ceremonial role and the executive powers that can be activated under Article 232 of the Constitution during an emergency.

Security planners have been coordinating with the Federal Investigation Agency and the Ministry of Interior to devise contingency measures for an upcoming Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) mass gathering scheduled for later this week. Police have been instructed to increase patrols, deploy rapid‑response units, and set up temporary checkpoints in key urban corridors to deter potential disturbances.

The governor’s statement revives a long‑standing debate over the extent of federal authority over provincial matters during crises. While the governor can suspend the provincial assembly and assume direct control of administration under an emergency proclamation, critics argue that such moves could further inflame local grievances. For residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the outcome will affect everything from daily commuting safety to the continuity of public services, making the next steps of both provincial and federal leaders a matter of immediate public interest.