By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate have approved the emergency proclamation for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued on October 11, as the government defended the decision and opposition lawmakers questioned its necessity.
Read also: Federal government imposes emergency, governor’s rule in KP
According to a media report, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented the motions before both houses of Parliament. The National Assembly approved the measure by a majority vote following a debate led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
The government has justified the emergency by citing security concerns and the need for stronger action against terrorism in the province.
During the debate, government ministers criticised the performance of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government in counterterrorism efforts. Opposition lawmakers rejected the move and raised concerns about its political and constitutional implications.
Bilawal calls for dialogue
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended the emergency decision, arguing that the political situation and security challenges had contributed to the federal government’s action.
However, he also called for renewed dialogue between the government and opposition, saying that political parties needed to work together to counter terrorism.
Bilawal described emergency rule as a temporary measure and stressed the need for a broader national response to the security situation.
PTI rejects the decision
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan rejected the emergency proclamation during the National Assembly proceedings and called for counterterrorism measures under the National Action Plan.
He also raised concerns about the reported detention of party members and questioned the circumstances surrounding the government’s decision.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also criticised the government’s position and raised questions about its political mandate.
Government cites security concerns
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told lawmakers that the government had considered material relating to the security situation before proceeding with the emergency proclamation.
He referred to terrorism incidents and cross-border security concerns while defending the decision. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticised the PTI’s past policies, particularly its approach towards the possible resettlement of members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
These remarks reflected the government’s position during the parliamentary debate. The PTI has disputed the justification for the emergency.
Constitutional process and next steps
The parliamentary proceedings also involved discussion of the constitutional provisions governing emergency powers and the federal government’s actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under Article 232 of the Constitution, a proclamation of emergency is subject to parliamentary approval under the applicable constitutional procedure. Governor’s rule is governed separately by Article 234.
The National Assembly session was adjourned until October 16.
The debate highlighted continuing disagreements between the government and opposition over provincial governance, constitutional authority and the response to terrorism. Bilawal and other lawmakers called for political engagement alongside security measures.
