There is a political storm in Pakistan regarding former PM Imran Khan. PTI party is continuously demanding a meeting with him. Along with this, demonstrations were also held outside the jail. Days after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged an overnight sit-in outside the Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala Jail), Pakistan’s Junior Law and Justice Minister Barrister Akil Malik said that imposing Governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is being considered.
He cited “security and governance problems” in KP province as the reason for imposing Governor’s rule. Speaking on a Geo News programme, Malik said Afridi and his team had “miserably failed to create any kind of working conditions”.
Why can Governor’s rule be imposed?
According to Dawn, Malik said, “Neither do they (KP government) want to have any kind of coordination or coordination with the Center nor do they take any action in areas where it is needed.” Malik said, “The situation in KP itself demands that steps be taken in this regard, so that the administrative structure can be ensured there.” The minister said the Pakistan government is “seriously considering” the option of imposing Governor’s rule in KP.
How is Governor’s rule imposed?
The Minister of State (MoS) said imposing Governor’s rule in KP is a constitutional step, which is taken only in case of “absolute necessity”. Governor’s rule in Pakistan is imposed under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution on the advice of the Prime Minister and only the President has the right to take such a decision.
However, when it was pointed out that under Article 234, the Governor can recommend the President to take this step and the federal government has little direct role in it, the Minister of State said that the Governor’s recommendation is only an option.
He said, “The President can also take this step himself, the approval of which will later have to be taken from the joint session of Parliament.” He also added that as per the Constitution, Governor’s rule can be imposed initially for two months and can be extended later if needed.
Malik also accused the KP government of planning to “close routes and isolate the province from the rest of the country”.
Can the Governor be removed?
Meanwhile, Dawn reported that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi refused to accept reports of his possible removal. He told reporters that if such a decision is taken, he will accept his party’s decision.
However, last week Kundi met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the news related to his possible transfer. According to Dawn, a source in the PM’s office said that during the meeting, Sharif expressed full confidence in Kundi and indicated that his removal was not being considered.
CM Afridi had demonstrated
All this is happening at a time when KP Chief Minister Afridi had staged an overnight protest outside Adiala jail as he was not allowed to meet PTI founder Imran Khan for the eighth consecutive time. The protest started on Thursday afternoon and was also attended by KP Cabinet members. In the video shared by PTI, Afridi and party workers were seen offering Fajr prayers outside the jail on Friday morning.
According to Dawn, Afridi announced on the party’s livestream that the protest was being called off and that he would now approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
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