Urdu Report Desk
Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday approved a resolution authorising the imposition of an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following more than four hours of debate between government and opposition lawmakers.
The opposition, including members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), opposed the move and raised slogans during the proceedings. The assembly session was subsequently adjourned until 11am on Friday.
The development comes amid escalating political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led political leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI Challenges Emergency in Peshawar High Court
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party had challenged the imposition of governor’s rule and the emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the Peshawar High Court.
He said the measures had effectively ended the province’s democratically elected government and expressed hope that the court would restore the democratic administration.
Barrister Gohar added that the party had requested an early hearing of its petition and would continue its constitutional and legal struggle against the decision.
PTI Rejects Government Notifications
Addressing the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar accused the federal government of undermining democracy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said the party rejected all notifications issued in connection with the measures.
He alleged that the government had removed an elected administration under the pretext of addressing terrorism. He also argued that terrorism should be confronted throughout Pakistan and that militant groups should not be allowed to find safe havens anywhere in the country.
Referring to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), he said India was behind the group, reiterating his criticism of the government’s approach to security and political affairs.
Law Minister Defends Emergency Decision
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the decision, telling the National Assembly that the emergency had been considered necessary because of internal unrest and external infiltration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He accused the provincial government of failing to take the fight against terrorism seriously and alleged that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had prioritised political interests over security concerns. He also criticised the provincial leadership for allegedly overlooking the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians.
Tarar said the government had been required to secure parliamentary approval within 10 days of the emergency declaration.
Terrorism Figures Cited in Parliament
The law minister cited figures to support the government’s position, stating that 2,911 terrorist incidents had occurred by 2024, while 3,787 incidents had been recorded from October 15, 2025, up to the time of his remarks.
He said the Pakistan Army had made significant sacrifices to restore peace and bring terrorism under control in the region. According to Tarar, the deteriorating security situation required extraordinary measures.
He maintained that the emergency decision had not been taken willingly but as a last resort.
Government Cites Failed Political Negotiations
Tarar also criticised the provincial leadership for announcing political confrontation with the federal government while security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained a concern.
He said negotiations had been initiated at the request of the president and prime minister, and the government had made repeated efforts to resolve differences through democratic means. He added that several amendments had been made to proposed reconciliation drafts during the talks.
However, he alleged that the opposing side had continued to focus on the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and meetings with him rather than prioritising the broader security situation.
The minister argued that the release of a detained individual could be ordered through the courts, while the president could exercise the relevant constitutional powers in response to a mercy petition.
Emergency Described as a Last Resort
Tarar said the federal government considered national security more important than political interests and had repeatedly emphasised that terrorism was a national security issue.
He questioned whether the provincial government had adequately fulfilled its responsibilities toward victims of terrorism and their families. He also criticised Sohail Afridi for undertaking visits outside the province while, in his view, security challenges remained unresolved.
The law minister concluded that the government had pursued negotiations and democratic solutions before deciding to impose the emergency, which he described as an unavoidable last option.
