KP Governor Hints at Possibility of Governor's Rule Amid PTI Protests

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stated on Friday that discussions have been held regarding the potential imposition of governor’s rule in the province as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ramps up preparations for its protest and Islamabad march scheduled for September 27.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar, Kundi mentioned that the possibility of governor’s rule exists and that the Constitution allows for such action. He confirmed, “Consultations have taken place for governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

This statement comes shortly after Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed the likelihood of imposing governor’s rule, saying the federal government had no such intentions and that the province instead required effective governance.

PTI is organizing a major protest and a long march to Islamabad on September 27, calling for the release of its founder Imran Khan and seeking what the party calls a restoration of constitutional supremacy. In response, authorities have restricted access to major highways and motorways leading to Islamabad and approved the deployment of Rangers in the federal capital and several Punjab districts for public order.

Governor Kundi also commented that PTI members were surrendering themselves for arrest and seeking an exit. He criticized the provincial government for allegedly attempting to bring the police under its direct influence, claiming a former chief minister had previously attempted the same. Kundi further noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s police had the lowest salaries among provincial police forces and questioned how additional responsibilities could be placed on them without improved benefits.

Kundi stated his opposition to these measures, pledging, “We will become a wall against this kind of act.”