Islamabad, November 28, 2024-The majority of federal cabinet members have voted in favour of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), accusing the PTI-led provincial government of using state resources to “attack the Centre” during recent protests. The move follows allegations that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s administration misused government machinery during PTI’s demonstrations aimed at securing the release of its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, and demanding judicial independence.
The recommendation was put forward by Federal Minister Amir Muqam during a cabinet meeting and reportedly received majority backing. It argued that the KP government had twice “invaded the Centre” and criticized the use of state employees and resources to support the protests. The cabinet also resolved to consult coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Awami National Party (ANP), and the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), before implementing the decision.
This development comes in the wake of PTI’s highly publicized “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, which ended abruptly after two days of violent clashes. Security forces launched a midnight operation to disperse demonstrators, arresting hundreds of PTI leaders and workers, including Imran Khan, who now faces charges in several cases.
Opposition to the decision
The move to impose governor’s rule has sparked backlash from opposition parties. The Awami National Party (ANP) rejected the proposal, with spokesperson Ehsanullah Khan arguing that such a measure would be short-lived and ineffective, given PTI’s majority in the KP Assembly. He called for meaningful dialogue between PTI and the federal government to address the escalating political crisis.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) KP Central Emir Abdul Wasey also criticized the decision, calling it unconstitutional and accusing the federal government of acting with political malice. He vowed that his party would strongly oppose any such move.
As tensions rise between the federal and provincial governments, the proposal for governor’s rule highlights the growing political instability and the urgent need for resolution through dialogue rather than confrontation.
