Resolution to ratify K-P emergency, governor's rule tabled in parliament's joint session

Opposition lawmakers began protesting, with several members attending the session wearing black armbands

ISLAMABAD:

A resolution seeking to ratify the presidential proclamations imposing a state of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) was tabled during a joint session of parliament on Thursday.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled the documents outlining the presidential decisions to enforce emergency measures and governor's rule in the province.

The proclamation relating to the imposition of a state of emergency was presented under Clause 7 of Article 232 of the Constitution. Separately, the presidential proclamation on enforcing governor's rule in K-P was laid before the joint sitting under Clause 3 of Article 234.

Opposition lawmakers began protesting during the proceedings, with several members attending the session wearing black armbands.

The federal government imposed emergency and governor's rule in K-P on October 11, suspending the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration amid a dispute over the province's security situation and counter-terrorism measures. The government has defended the move, citing a deterioration in law and order and an alleged failure by the provincial administration to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts with federal authorities.

قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس میں رکن قومی اسمبلی محترمہ نعیمہ کشور خان کا اظہار خیال۔#NASession pic.twitter.com/81H11F2RnZ

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) October 15, 2026

A day earlier, both houses of parliament approved President Asif Ali Zardari's proclamation of emergency in K-P by majority vote under Clause 1 of Article 232 of the Constitution, despite opposition lawmakers' objections to the measures.

The NA session began under the chairmanship of the Speaker as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented the resolution before the House. During the proceedings, Chaudhry moved a separate motion seeking the suspension of question hour to allow the House to take up other parliamentary business. Opposition lawmakers opposed the motion, but it was adopted by a majority vote.

The Lower House later debated the emergency measures imposed in the province, with opposition lawmakers strongly opposing the Centre's decision and raising a hue and cry during the proceedings. However, the resolution was passed by a majority vote.