Kundi denies any move to impose governor's rule in K-P

Constitution contains provision for governor’s rule, but no one has spoken to me about this matter, says K-P governor

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi rejected reports that the federal government is preparing to impose governor’s rule in the province, saying he has not been consulted on the matter.

“I am hearing through the media that governor’s rule is being imposed. To this day, I maintain that for now, there is no talk of governor’s rule,” said Faisal Karim Kundi while speaking to reporters in Peshawar on Sunday.

The governor said that while the Constitution provides a clause for imposing governor’s rule, no official communication has been made with him so far. “The Constitution contains a provision for governor’s rule, but no one has spoken to me,” he said.

Kundi added that the current situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) did not allow space for widespread protests, given the fragile security and administrative challenges.

“I believe our province’s conditions do not allow protests. The province is already burdened with issues, including law and order,” he said.

Kundi’s statement comes following reports that the federal government has begun discussions over the possible imposition of governor’s rule in K-P, with sources saying officials are considering whether to retain Governor Faisal Karim Kundi or appoint a new governor.

Six potential candidates have emerged, including three political figures and three retired military officers. Among the political contenders, the names of Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Pervez Khattak, and Aftab Sherpao have been mentioned.

If no consensus is reached on political nominees, authorities may consider appointing retired military officials. The retired officers under consideration include former Peshawar corps commander Lieutenant General (r) Khalid Rabbani, Lieutenant General (r) Ghayur Mehmood, and Lieutenant General (r) Tariq Khan.

The initial preference appears to be to keep Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in place. However, sources say the government is weighing other options in case a decision cannot be reached.

Separately, officials from the Prime Minister’s Office have stated that no formal decision has been taken regarding governor’s rule in K-P.