Federal cabinet gives nod to imposition of emergency in KP; summary sent to president

AI Summary

Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and sent the proposal to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked the move to tensions with the PTI-led provincial government and warned against actions that could destabilize the economy; the article also discusses constitutional procedures and a prospective IMF funding tranche.

The federal cabinet on Sunday decided to impose emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. A summary has been sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for final nod, it added. Constitutional provisions Article 232 of the Constitution provides for the proclamation of emergency in a province. It says, “If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in which the security of Pakistan, or any part thereof, is threatened by war or external aggression, or by internal disturbance beyond the power of a provincial government to control, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency.” However, invoking this article requires a resolution from the provincial assembly of that province. “Provided further that if the President acts on his own, the Proclamation of Emergency shall be placed before both Houses of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) for approval by each House within 10 days,” it says. According to this provision, parliament “shall have power to make laws for a province, or any part thereof, with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Federal Legislative List” during the time of the proclamation of an emergency. Article 233 provides powers to the president to suspend certain fundamental rights during emergency period. On the other hand, Article 234 deals with the imposition of the governor’s rule “in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a province”. For imposition of the governor’s rule, the president simply requires a request from the provincial governor, it says. PTI cannot be allowed to derail stabilising economy Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet where the decision was taken. The premier said the PTI-led KP government cannot be allowed to derail the stabilising economy amid tensions between the two sides. “I will not allow them (PTI) to destabilise the economy,” he said during the meeting. At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz spoke of the recent staff-level agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “It is hoped that we will unlock the $1.2 billion tranche within this year,” he said, recalling a meeting with the IMF’s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month. He commended the political and military leadership for “working together day and night” in bringing fiscal discipline to Pakistan. The premier also recalled his visit to London last month, where he had met with senior executives from leading global financial institutions. He also spoke of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the international community, taking note of the appreciation Pakistan has received for mediation in the Middle East conflict. “Pakistan continues to play its role with hard work and sincerity,” he said, particularly lauding the role of the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. PM Shehbaz condemned the recent Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, noting the long-standing fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. “Our only goal is that peace should be restored in the region,” he said. “Pakistan expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stands with it. We will not tolerate any aggression against Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that it was a “red line” for Pakistan. Shifting his attention to terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the premier said, “The way common citizens are being martyred, the way police officials and security officials, children and mothers [..] there can be nothing more heart-wrenching.” At this, he recalled that Pakistan has repeatedly urged neighbouring Afghanistan to rein in the terrorist elements; however, “they still don’t understand it”. More to follow.