Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi warned the federal government on Monday against any attempt to enforce governor’s rule, asserting that his administration remains fully capable of governing the province. The comments followed weekend statements from federal ministers suggesting that Islamabad was reviewing the option due to concerns over security, governance, and the border situation with Afghanistan.
Speaking to Geo News, KP CM Sohail Afridi said his government would not accept any external intervention, stressing that “there is no need for any other rule in the province.” He also urged those pushing what he called “closed-door policies” to consider their consequences.
PTI says KP cannot withstand governor’s rule
Outside Parliament House, PTI leadership echoed Afridi’s stance. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan dismissed the possibility of a federal takeover, insisting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa “cannot bear governor’s rule” and emphasizing the party’s commitment to addressing terrorism and law-and-order challenges within the province.
Government says option is constitutional
Responding to the accusations, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said discussions around governor’s rule arise “when governance is poor,” adding that the option is constitutionally available. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reinforced this view on the National Assembly floor, arguing that using state machinery for confrontation with Islamabad is unconstitutional and that all governments must adhere to legal boundaries.
Warnings and political pressure continue
Senator Faisal Vawda cautioned that ongoing instability could trigger federal intervention. He urged the chief minister to “perform his duties responsibly” and warned that even a minor mistake—especially under recent high court directives—could put Afridi at risk of disqualification.
Vawda said KP’s issues would ease once the chief minister meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, adding that “President Asif Ali Zardari holds the key to every problem.” He also reiterated support for Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, stressing that any other appointment would be viewed as non-political.
As debate intensifies, both sides appear firm—Afridi positioning PTI’s KP government as defiant and self-sufficient, while federal leaders insist that governor’s rule remains a legitimate constitutional mechanism if governance continues to falter.
