ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Shortly after the National Assembly passed a resolution endorsing the federal government\u2019s imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, the Senate also gave its approval for the measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Centre had imposed governor\u2019s rule and emergency in KP on Sunday, citing the provincial government\u2019s \u201cdeliberate disengagement\u201d from the fight against terrorism. The move followed weeks of political tensions between the Centre and the PTI after the latter announced a long march to Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the motions regarding the proclamation of emergency before both Houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senate proceedings
In the Senate, the resolution was passed amid the opposition\u2019s outcry, with PTI senators staging a walkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Senate\u2019s approval followed a heated debate between treasury and opposition members, during which Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the procedural propriety presenting the resolution in the House and getting it approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He argued that a \u201cconstitutional resolution\u201d had been laid before the House in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate. \u201cUnder Article 232, a copy of [the proclamation of] emergency has been laid before the House. An attempt to bypass the constitutional procedure cannot succeed,\u201d he said, adding that the requirement of a seven-day notice for tabling a resolution did not apply to one presented under a constitutional necessity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf its opponents have any objections, they should reject the resolution through their vote after the debate. We cannot deviate from the Constitution and rules of the House,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As opposition voiced opposition to the resolution, Senate Chairperson Yousuf Raza Gilani asked them to exercise patience. \u201cThis is not a classroom, do not make noise,\u201d he remarked as senators from the opposition benches continued sloganeering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among them, PTI\u2019s Humayun Mohmand said independent Senator Faisal Vawda had said months ago that governor\u2019s rule would be imposed. He alleged that terrorism being cited as the reason for the measure was just an excuse and the actual \u201ctarget is the PTI\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe decision to impose governor\u2019s rule and emergency was taken months ago,\u201d he alleged. Seemingly referring to the creation of Bangladesh, he said the federal government\u2019s decision since 1970 had proved wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTI-backed Senator Hamid Khan also argued that there \u201cseems to be some other objectives behind governor\u2019s rule and emergency\u201d. Referring to the talks between the Centre and the opposition ahead of governor\u2019s rule and emergency in KP, he alleged that negotiations \u201cwere just a drama\u201d and were held \u201conly to deceive the people\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe real decision was taken elsewhere long ago,\u201d he claimed. He further said that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who tried to mediate between the Centre and the opposition, had stated that while the negotiations were taking place, \u201ca decision came\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGovernments formed on the basis of Form-47 do not have the real mandate,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further regretted that after the 26th Amendment, \u201cthere is neither any Constitution nor an independent judicial system\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe judiciary has been stripped of its independence, which closes the avenues to challenge unconstitutional steps,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khan went on to say: \u201cArticle 232 has to be presented before the House for debate, not just for saying yes. Decision was taken by those whom Constitution does not allow to take the decision, but they have complete dominance over Constitution. At this time, neither is there any Constitution nor any court in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz railed against federal ministers, who have been accusing the PTI of facilitating terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou talk about terrorism, what do you know about terrorism? People of KP sacrificed their children and picked up bodies. [\u2026] Did we support Pakistan or terrorists? Those calling people of KP terrorists should be ashamed. These are valiant people who saved this country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aziz said terrorism was a result of unemployment, hunger, non-availability of hospitals, water and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, also from the PTI, said he condemned the imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP. He accused the federal government of \u201cabducting\u201d Sohail Afridi, who has been rendered non-functional as the KP chief minister following the imposition of governor\u2019s rule, and other PTI MPAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JUI-F\u2019s Kamran Murtaza said the opposition\u2019s resolution against governor\u2019s rule should have also been included in the agenda for the day, but it was returned with objections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Murtaza argued that the relevant material required for endorsement of enforcement of Article 232 and 234 \u2014 constitutional provision related to imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule \u2014 had not been presented in the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite letters and applications, the government had not provided documents and material related to the imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule, he said, adding that senators had to obtain that material through social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Members could not be satisfied with a decision until complete information came forth, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NA proceedings
The NA question hour session was suspended due to discussions on the emergency. The motion in the lower House of Parliament was adopted with a majority vote after a discussion opened by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe National Assembly approves the Proclamation of Emergency issued by the President on the 11th October, 2026 in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under second proviso of clause (1) of Article 232 of the Constitution,\u201d read a post by NA\u2019s official X account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Article 232, if the \u201cpresident acts on his own, the Proclamation of Emergency shall be placed\u201d before both Houses of the Parliament for approval by each House within 10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, a proclamation for governor\u2019s rule issued under Article 234 \u201cshall be laid before a joint sitting and shall cease to be in force at the expiration of two months\u201d, unless a joint sitting approves its extension. However, such a measure shall not remain in force for more than six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout Wednesday\u2019s proceedings, opposition members participated calmly and did not stage any loud protest, unlike past instances when the PTI objects to the Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended part of the session, with pictures released by the NA showing him shaking hands with Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shakes hands with leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, on Wednesday. \u2014 Photo courtesy NA Facebook
Federal ministers defended the emergency imposition while assailing what they described as the PTI-led KP government\u2019s lack of will to combat terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In tune with that, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari blamed the PTI for the circumstances that compelled the Centre to impose emergency in KP and termed it a \u201cpolitical suicide attack\u201d for the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he also urged the treasury and the opposition to get back on the path of dialogue and make joint efforts against terrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At one point during the proceedings, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq noted that the Oct 3 dialogue was held in a cordial atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadiq praised both sides for \u201cattempting more than their capacity so that the matter is settled\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he said some matters were beyond the parties\u2019 control and voiced his support for forming the same committees for negotiations if ever needed in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing PTI lawmakers, the speaker said, \u201cEveryone\u2019s response was that this [process of dialogue] should continue, but you also understand that your hands were tied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He took note of the PTI\u2019s complaints regarding the jail conditions of party founder Imran Khan, adding that he had even provided details of facilities provided to the jailed ex-premier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The session was adjourned to meet again at 11am on Oct 16 (Friday).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Political suicide attack\u2019
Bilawal began his speech by highlighting that emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP were measures taken under the Constitution. Reading the relevant provisions, he asserted that the Centre tried its best to \u201cengage the opposition so this step did not have to be taken\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey will have to accept, even if not publicly, but the responsible leadership of the opposition knows that the PTI itself carried out a political suicide attack on its KP government,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PPP chief maintained that the PTI could not deny that its \u201cleadership, particularly in the province had a key role in the political, constitutional and legal circumstances\u201d at present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilawal emphasised that the PPP\u2019s stance was that \u201cbefore employing this constitutional atomic bomb, we must engage with PTI and the opposition and try to address the federal government\u2019s reservations that they were not supporting them in the war against terrorism\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He observed: \u201cIf political space is restricted for one political party, it is impossible that it remains restricted for that particular party; it is limited for every political party, political worker and Pakistani citizen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are responsible for this, but you cannot deny that you are also responsible for it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Terming the imposition of emergency a \u201cdifficult decision\u201d, Bilawal recalled alleged remarks by Sohail Afridi \u2014 the KP chief minister whose role is now non-functional \u2014 that he would not combat terrorism the way the Centre wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf this was not a political suicide, then what else was it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bhutto scion wondered if the opposition and Afridi had left any reason for President Asif Ali Zardari, who he said prides himself on passing the 18th Amendment, to \u201crefuse to sign\u201d the emergency proclamation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He argued that due to the PTI\u2019s actions and statements, neither the president, the Centre, nor he had any legal or political reason left for not imposing emergency in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut even today, I would recommend to the federal government that we extend our hand forward once again for negotiations, political discussions and try to find a resolution and a middle path,\u201d Bilawal added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PPP chairman noted that emergency was \u201calways a stopgap measure\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe cannot sustain the emergency forever,\u201d he added, emphasising that while the counterterrorism fight would be better than before, an \u201call-of-society and all-of-country response\u201d was needed to eradicate it completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding the Oct 3 talks of a joint delegation of the PPP and the government with the opposition, Bilawal said, \u201cLate at night, I was informed that congratulations, negotiations are succeeding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the PTI was willing to declare the areas in KP with surging terrorism as \u201cterrorist areas\u201d, and the opposition was about to agree that the federal and KP governments would sign a pact on joint efforts against terrorism. However, the dialogue collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former foreign minister pointed out that the security challenges Pakistan was facing were \u201cway more complicated\u201d than before, adding that India \u201ccould still not digest [\u2026] its embarrassment\u201d from the May 2025 conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to remarks by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that its \u2018Operation Sindoor\u2019 was still ongoing, Bilawal said: \u201cIt means that India is still sponsoring terrorist incidents in Pakistan, sometimes in the form of TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and sometimes in the form of separatist terrorist groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He reiterated Pakistan\u2019s stance that India was involved in terrorist activities being conducted from across the Afghan border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ex-foreign minister then highlighted Islamabad\u2019s role as a mediator in the US-Iran war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut there is a state \u2014 which we do not recognise as a state \u2014 that will neither be happy nor ever forget that you took this step. And those Zionist forces will and are interfering in Pakistan\u2019s internal politics and state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concluding his speech, the PPP chairman emphasised the need for building consensus on \u201csome fundamental issues\u201d for an empowered lower house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven today, we are saying, come and at least begin from this house,\u201d he said while addressing the opposition benches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar demands implementation of NAP
Speaking in the NA, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said his party \u201crejected\u201d the Centre\u2019s move to impose emergency in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He asked what \u201cterrorism\u201d Imran\u2019s wife or sisters had allegedly been involved in that they had been put behind bars, or what the accusations were against the PTI MNAs and MPAs who he said were detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar further said, \u201cOne person is not present in the house currently. When he comes during a joint session, then I will reveal the reality of the negotiations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He affirmed that the PTI had raised its voice against terrorism, adding that measures against the scourge must be taken according to the National Action Plan (NAP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar argued that the PML-N opposition during the PTI\u2019s tenure carried out \u201c14 long marches in two years, but you did not let us stage even one long march\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presenting his version of the Oct 3 talks with the government, the PTI leader said his party was being asked to immediately call off the long march. \u201cI said where did [the topic] of terrorism arise from suddenly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting that the government had put forward \u201cfive reservations\u201d, Gohar said PTI was willing to make the KP Police Act similar to that of Punjab and Sindh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PTI leader reiterated his party\u2019s request for the production of certain MNAs it says were taken into custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gohar also welcomed Bilawal\u2019s proposal to continue dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Responding to Gohar\u2019s remarks, the PPP chairman said the PTI was busy in its long march while the people of KP were being targeted by terrorists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilawal reiterated that the opposition could keep arguing against the imposition of emergency and governor\u2019s rule in KP, but no one could deny that the decision was grounded in the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI cannot insist on the government to continue talks with PTI despite being defrauded multiple times,\u201d the PPP chairman said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pointing towards Gohar and Achakzai, Bilawal said: \u201cI believe that none of them is allied with terrorists. I believe that they will definitely want to combat terrorism; however, they cannot deny the fact that their former chief minister contradicted this fact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilawal again requested all the stakeholders to unite and combat terrorism collectively. He also called for the provision of all facilities to the incarcerated PTI founder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Threat to national security\u2019
Addressing the house, the law minister explained that emergency was imposed in KP as the security situation there was becoming a threat to \u201cnational security\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarar noted that after the Proclamation of Emergency was issued, the Constitution\u2019s Article 232 required that both houses of the parliament approve the measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He recalled that the federal cabinet examined \u201cmaterial\u201d regarding terrorism in the province during its Oct 11 meeting and then advised PM Shehbaz to recommend the imposition of emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that some people compared the measure to the emergency imposed by former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf on Oct 12, 1999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister particularly noted \u201cinternal disturbances\u201d and cross-border infiltrations. He contended that the situation since Oct 15, 2025, when Sohail Afridi\u2019s government came into power in KP, was \u201cturning into a threat to national security to an alarming extent\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He went on to highlight that there was a rise in terrorism in KP, especially after 2021, due to the approach of the provincial government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPerhaps there might be foreign, diplomatic and political reasons behind it, which got inflamed due to a political party\u2019s point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarar stated that 2,911 incidents of terrorism took place between 2021 and 2024 in KP, but they surged to 3,787 incidents between Oct 15, 2025 and Oct 9, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He criticised the KP chief minister for ignoring martyred security and police personnel, and for instead preferring to promote his political designs and make visits across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven this was announced that the federal capital will be conquered,\u201d he said, referring to the party\u2019s plan to hold a protest long march towards the federal capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PML-N leader expressed his government\u2019s gratitude to NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for providing a platform for dialogue between the Centre and the opposition. He reiterated the government\u2019s stance that the PTI had the agreement draft changed multiple times, but even then backed off from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tarar observed that the PTI demanded the release of their party founder Imran Khan and his treatment in a private hospital despite knowing that only courts could provide such a relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said two days would be \u201cremembered in the country\u2019s democratic history with regard to misfortune and a political party\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the emergency measure, the law minister noted that a special mechanism has been introduced for 12 districts of KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking after Tarar, Achakzai criticised him for trying to prove that terrorism was not tackled in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The opposition leader questioned the government\u2019s mandate in the February 2024 general elections, quipping that the opposition would \u201csurrender\u201d if the minister could swear that the government won those polls fairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Achakzai alleged that the incumbent ruling coalition was formed \u201cillegally\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018You do not have clean hands\u2019
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went on to recall the tenure of the PTI government in the Centre and assailed the party\u2019s past actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Referring to ex-prime minister Imran Khan\u2019s plan to resettle members of the TTP, he said PTI tried to convince the then-opposition that \u201cbringing these terrorists back would be better for Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PML-N leader mentioned the 2019 episode of an Indian pilot\u2019s capture in Pakistan: \u201cThey had threatened and we were surrendering. The then-prime minister was saying, \u2018What should I do? Attack India?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asif urged the opposition to reflect on its past actions, adding that Imran often used to praise former army chief retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs long as this contradiction remains in our words and actions and in our society, the circumstances of this country will not fix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He narrated his time behind bars during the PTI government, when Shehbaz \u201csmuggled a blanket\u201d to him to brace the low temperatures. \u201cI used to eat the jail\u2019s food,\u201d he said, claiming that orders were given to remove the geyser when it was installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut we did not hold rallies or mourn at D-Chowk or dig graves. We did not martyr police and law enforcement personnel,\u201d Asif remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou demand equity when you have clean hands. You do not have clean hands, you cannot demand equity; this is a thousand-year-old principle,\u201d he contended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou know very well what Gen Musharraf did to me. There was a 4×6 cell in Attock jail,\u201d the PML-N politician said, emphasising that he stood with his party and ex-PM Nawaz Sharif.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the current political situation, Asif alleged that Afridi used to \u201ctake directives [\u2026] from a person sitting in Afghanistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He referred to a statement by the TTP condemning the imposition of emergency and deployment of troops in certain places. \u201cWho is their ally and who is their rival?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister further countered the PTI\u2019s stance that its leaders have not been able to meet Imran, who is imprisoned in the Adiala jail. \u201cMeetings are held, [but] a lot of them are not publicised or brought on record,\u201d he maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Farooq Sattar urges PTI to \u2018openly condemn terrorism\u2019
In his remarks on the floor of the lower house, Farooq Sattar expressed Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan\u2019s (MQM-P) confidence in the decision taken by the prime minister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis was an extremely difficult decision, but so unavoidable that you had no other option,\u201d Sattar said about imposing emergency and governor\u2019s rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe trust your decision as we trust your experience, capabilities, political acumen, and that you made this decision in the interest of the nation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MQM-P lawmaker contended that the PTI was \u201con the wrong side and does not have concrete arguments\u201d to declare that the decision was baseless or made with political motives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe main issue is of the mindset,\u201d he declared, adding that Imran had \u201cpublicly said that the war on terror is not ours\u201d. \u201cThis is their policy. This is their mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sattar questioned whether the KP government had ever published reports to expose terrorist hideouts and extremist trends. He further raised questions about the government\u2019s pursuit of cases against suspected terrorists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOpenly condemn terrorism; else, the allegation of backing [it], if a commission is formed and God forbid, it is proven in the inquiry that there is political extremism and terrorism complicity, there is a nexus, then where will you go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sattar recounted his past MQM experiences, saying, \u201cI have also suffered such times. A lot of times, the narrative coming from the top was difficult to defend. Today, I feel that Barrister Gohar is also not in the position to defend his [party\u2019s] position on KP.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Shortly after the National Assembly passed a resolution endorsing the federal government\u2019s imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, the Senate also gave its approval for the measure. The Centre had imposed governor\u2019s rule and emergency in KP on Sunday, citing the provincial government\u2019s \u201cdeliberate disengagement\u201d from the fight against terrorism. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":134838,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-134837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n