ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly and Senate on Wednesday approved resolutions endorsing the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), amid a heated debate over the province’s security situation, counterterrorism measures and the federal government’s decision.
The resolutions were passed by a majority vote, with treasury and opposition lawmakers exchanging sharp arguments over the need for emergency rule and its political implications. The National Assembly session was subsequently adjourned until 11am on Friday.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the decision as a constitutional response to worsening security conditions, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged renewed negotiations between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised PTI’s previous counterterrorism policies, while opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai demanded the withdrawal of emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
Tarar, opening the debate, said Article 232 of the Constitution required a proclamation of emergency to be placed before both houses of parliament for approval within 10 days.
He said the federal cabinet had reviewed material concerning terrorism during its October 11 meeting and advised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to recommend the imposition of emergency.
Citing what he described as a worsening security situation, including terrorist attacks and cross-border infiltration, the law minister said developments since the provincial cabinet took office on October 15, 2025, had become a serious national security concern.
According to figures presented by Tarar, KP recorded 2,911 terrorist incidents between 2021 and 2024, compared with 3,787 incidents between October 15, 2025, and October 9, 2026. He also said casualties among security personnel and civilians had increased.
Tarar accused the provincial leadership of prioritising political interests over counterterrorism and criticised PTI’s plans for political mobilisation in Islamabad, arguing that the security situation demanded cooperation rather than confrontation.
He said the federal government had attempted to negotiate with PTI, with discussions involving representatives of the government, PPP and opposition. However, he claimed the talks had broken down after the focus shifted towards demands for meetings with jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
The law minister said the release of prisoners was generally a matter for the courts, while the president had the constitutional authority to grant pardons under Article 45.
Bilawal, meanwhile, called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to develop a national strategy against terrorism, citing the National Action Plan as an example of a security framework developed through political consensus.
He urged PTI and other opposition parties to participate in efforts to restore cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.
The PPP chairman said his party would support the federal government’s decision to impose emergency in KP but stressed that the measure alone could not eliminate terrorism.
He said he would ask the prime minister to end emergency rule if political conditions improved sufficiently to make it unnecessary.
Bilawal also alleged that India was supporting militant groups operating in Pakistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and separatist organisations. He presented the allegations as part of his argument for political unity against internal and external security threats.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised PTI’s previous approach to counterterrorism, recalling meetings during the party’s tenure in government at which, he said, its leaders had supported bringing militants back to Pakistan.
Asif referred to former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and former intelligence chief General Faiz Hameed, saying they had attended parliamentary meetings during the PTI government.
He accused Imran Khan of previously praising Bajwa and the military, arguing that the party’s earlier statements contradicted its current political position.
The defence minister said the government had held negotiations with the opposition over the preceding week and that several points had been agreed upon before the process collapsed.
He maintained that counterterrorism remained the government’s primary concern, citing figures on terrorism-related deaths and blaming the provincial leadership’s political priorities for the deteriorating security situation.
Asif also alleged that PTI leaders had taken instructions from a person based in Afghanistan. He said the government had exhausted other options before imposing emergency rule, describing the decision as a last resort.
Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai strongly criticised the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in KP, demanding that both measures be withdrawn.
He accused the government of attempting to retain power through force and warned that its approach could have serious consequences for the country. He also cautioned that Sindh could be the next province to face governor’s rule.
“There is still time. Withdraw these measures. For God’s sake, do not harass the people. This approach will lead to destruction,” Achakzai said.
He condemned the arrest of ousted KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and questioned the role of the establishment in political affairs.
Addressing the breakdown of negotiations between the government and PTI, Achakzai said the party had sought permission for its leaders to meet Imran Khan and that the talks had stalled over the issue. He urged the authorities to allow the meetings to take place.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar also questioned the provincial government’s counterterrorism record, saying political leaders must unequivocally condemn militancy and demonstrate their commitment through action.
Sattar questioned what steps the KP government had taken to identify militant networks, expose sleeper cells, arrest suspects and bring cases before anti-terrorism courts.
He also criticised the implementation of the National Action Plan, including measures relating to forensic laboratories and witness protection, and called for a unified national response to terrorism.
Warning of possible security implications beyond KP, Sattar said militants fleeing the province could find refuge in existing networks in Karachi. He called for an inclusive political effort involving all parties, supported by effective implementation and measurable progress against militant violence.
The Senate also passed the resolution by a majority amid protests from PTI lawmakers, who subsequently staged a walkout, according to media reports.
