Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar says the emergency under Article 232 covers all of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while a separate mechanism will address security challenges in 12 districts.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has clarified that the emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Article 232 of the Constitution applies to the entire province, not just the 12 districts facing serious security challenges, as the decision intensifies a political dispute between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial administration.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday, Azam Nazeer Tarar said a separate administrative mechanism had been established to support the 12 affected districts. He said a dedicated secretariat would operate under the chief executive to coordinate assistance and implement additional security measures in those areas.

The law minister cited government figures indicating a substantial increase in terrorist activity in the province. He claimed that 8,600 terrorist incidents had been recorded between 2024 and 2026, compared with 2,900 between 2020 and 2024, representing an increase of 195%.

He said federal and provincial authorities needed to coordinate their counterterrorism policies to address the security situation. According to the minister, a unified approach was necessary to protect the public and improve the effectiveness of security operations.

Criticising the PTI-led provincial government, Azam Nazeer Tarar alleged that its handling of security matters had been inadequate and that political considerations had taken precedence over national interests. He argued that the circumstances required stronger coordination between the federal and provincial administrations.

Recalling previous political tensions, the law minister said the PTI had used provincial government resources during its political activities in Islamabad. He added that the federal government had not considered imposing an emergency or governor’s rule at that time.

Azam Nazeer Tarar also referred to attacks on police personnel and security forces deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as civilian deaths. He said the reported rise in terrorist activity and the deteriorating security situation required attention. He added that the federal government had remained in contact with provincial authorities before making its decision, although he claimed the provincial administration had responded differently to the concerns raised by the Centre.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the federal government’s decision, rejecting allegations that it was politically motivated. He said the objective was to establish a coordinated national counterterrorism policy rather than target the PTI.

Attaullah Tarar also claimed that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had welcomed the decision, arguing that it offered hope for improved security. He questioned how different governments within one country could pursue separate counterterrorism policies and maintained that no administration should adopt an approach that could allow terrorist groups to operate.

The ministers referred to Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, arguing that these provisions address exceptional circumstances involving serious national and provincial challenges.

However, opposition parties have criticised the federal government’s move and demanded the withdrawal of the emergency and governor’s rule, calling for the restoration of the province’s elected government.

The dispute has deepened tensions between the Centre and the PTI leadership over provincial autonomy, constitutional authority and responsibility for combating terrorism.