Parliament’s joint session approves emergency-related resolutions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as PTI and TTAP lawmakers protest and opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai offers dialogue.
Parliament’s joint session on Thursday approved resolutions concerning emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid strong protests from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and members of the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP).
The session, attended by members of the National Assembly and Senate, saw opposition lawmakers display placards and chant slogans against the federal government’s move. The proceedings highlighted the political divisions surrounding the constitutional measures concerning the province.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a motion seeking to suspend certain rules governing joint parliamentary sessions. Despite opposition protests, the motion was approved by 214 votes to 56.
Chaudhry subsequently presented two resolutions, one concerning the proclamation of an emergency under Article 232 of the Constitution and the other relating to governor’s rule under Article 234.
The emergency-related resolution was approved by 240 votes, while 46 members voted against it. The supplied account does not specify the separate voting result on the resolution concerning governor’s rule.
Government Defends Constitutional Measures
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar opened the debate by outlining the constitutional basis for the measures. He said special arrangements had been established to manage the province’s affairs during the emergency and governor’s rule.
Tarar maintained that the PTI-led provincial government had repeatedly been urged to take effective action against terrorism. He criticised the party’s leadership over its response to attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel and other victims.
Explaining Article 234, the law minister said the Constitution provides a mechanism for imposing governor’s rule when a provincial government cannot be carried on in accordance with constitutional requirements. He also discussed the parliamentary approval requirements for emergency measures and governor’s rule.
Under the constitutional framework, an emergency proclamation must be presented to both Houses of Parliament for approval within the prescribed period. A proclamation under Article 234 must be placed before a joint sitting and ordinarily ceases to remain in force after two months unless its continuation is approved. The measure cannot remain in force beyond six months.
Achakzai Criticises Government, Offers Talks
Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticised the government’s handling of the crisis, blaming what he described as flawed decisions by the country’s leadership for the prevailing political situation.
He also questioned the whereabouts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, whose government has been rendered non-functional following the federal measures, according to the supplied account. Reports had suggested that Afridi was in preventive custody, although the circumstances were not independently established in the material provided.
Achakzai accused National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq of failing to conduct parliamentary proceedings fairly.
Despite his criticism, the opposition leader said his alliance was prepared to engage in dialogue with the government on strengthening Parliament and eliminating terrorism in all its forms. He offered unconditional support if negotiations focused on those issues.
Achakzai also compared the political crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the events leading to the separation of East Pakistan in 1971. He questioned the characterisation of Afridi as a terrorist and asked whether the chief minister could be held responsible for attacks on political leaders in the past.
The session underscored the deep divisions between the government and opposition over the constitutional and political implications of the measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Opposition lawmakers continued to challenge the federal government’s decision, while Achakzai’s offer of dialogue left open the possibility of negotiations over Parliament’s role and counterterrorism efforts.
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