When terrorism threatens public safety and political disagreements begin to obstruct an effective response, the state cannot afford to remain paralysed. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reached such a critical juncture. The federal government’s decision to impose emergency rule, introduce Governor’s Rule and establish an 11-member Advisory Council under Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reflects a determination to confront the province’s worsening security challenges and restore the authority of the state.

The decision is undoubtedly extraordinary, but the circumstances confronting the province demand serious consideration. For years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained on the front line of Pakistan’s struggle against militancy. Its people have endured terrorist attacks, displacement, economic disruption and the loss of loved ones. Police officers and security personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices to protect their communities. In such circumstances, restoring peace cannot be treated as an ordinary political objective; it is a national responsibility.

The federal government has justified its decision by citing a deteriorating law and order situation and what it describes as inadequate cooperation from the previous provincial administration in counterterrorism efforts. The imposition of emergency measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, together with the establishment of a separate secretariat for 12 sensitive districts, is intended to create a more coordinated administrative structure for addressing these challenges.

The success of this intervention will depend on how effectively the new arrangement translates authority into action. Nevertheless, the central objective deserves support: protecting citizens, strengthening the fight against terrorism and creating the conditions for lasting stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Security cannot wait for political consensus

Terrorism is not simply a law and order problem. It threatens economic activity, weakens public institutions, disrupts education and undermines the confidence of citizens in the state's ability to protect them. When militant groups exploit administrative weaknesses or political divisions, the consequences extend far beyond individual districts.

The federal government has argued that repeated efforts to secure cooperation from the provincial administration failed to produce the necessary results. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said discussions with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) representatives continued for two days without an agreement, while the government had spent more than a month seeking cooperation on counterterrorism measures.

These are serious claims that should be assessed through evidence and parliamentary scrutiny. However, the underlying principle is clear: counterterrorism cannot be held hostage to political rivalry. Federal and provincial institutions must cooperate to protect lives, and when the existing administrative arrangements are judged incapable of responding effectively to an urgent security crisis, the state has a responsibility to examine lawful and effective alternatives.

The government has also cited a substantial increase in terrorist incidents over the past two and a half years. Interior Minister Naqvi has referred to the killing of 518 police personnel in the province over the preceding year and a half. These figures, as presented by the government, highlight the seriousness of the challenge and the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.

Pakistan cannot allow terrorism to become an accepted feature of daily life in any part of the country. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve the same security, economic opportunity and confidence in public institutions as citizens elsewhere.

A professional council offers an opportunity for better governance

The appointment of an 11-member Advisory Council is an important element of the new administrative arrangement. The council brings together individuals with experience in public administration, finance, law, health, education, energy, industry, communications and religious affairs.

Tariq Mahmood Pasha, a former chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, has been assigned responsibility for finance. Aamir Javed, an advocate of the Supreme Court and former provincial advocate general, will advise on law, while Dr Aamir Abdullah will oversee education. Lieutenant General (retd) Nigar Johar, Pakistan’s first female lieutenant general, has been assigned the health portfolio.

The council also includes Dr Sarfaraz Ali Shah, Dr Mohammad Irshad, Kifayatullah Khan, Tayyab Qureshi, Osman Saifullah Khan, Samar Haroon Bilour and Asif Rafiq. Their professional, administrative, political and commercial experience offers the potential to strengthen decision-making across key departments.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has described the selection as merit-based, highlighting the members’ expertise and regional representation. The important task now is to turn those qualifications into practical results.

The council should begin by identifying the most urgent administrative and security problems facing the province. Its priorities must include better coordination between law enforcement agencies, improved policing in vulnerable districts, stronger public services and the restoration of confidence among residents and businesses.

Good governance is not measured by the number of officials appointed or meetings conducted. It is measured by whether schools function, hospitals provide care, roads remain accessible, public funds are spent responsibly and citizens can go about their lives without fear.

The new arrangement must therefore demonstrate that effective administration and security can reinforce one another. A more coordinated system of governance should make it easier to identify failures, allocate resources and hold responsible officials accountable for their performance.

The 12 sensitive districts need a focused security strategy

The establishment of a separate secretariat for 12 sensitive districts is among the most consequential elements of the federal government's decision. These districts require sustained attention because insecurity in one area can affect neighbouring communities, disrupt trade routes and place additional pressure on police and security forces.

The new secretariat, operating under the governor and chief secretary and reporting to the federal government, should ensure that security and development priorities are addressed without unnecessary administrative delays.

Its work must extend beyond immediate security operations. Police stations need adequate personnel, modern equipment, reliable intelligence and effective investigative capacity. Local administrations must be able to respond quickly to emerging threats, while courts and prosecutors must be equipped to pursue cases against those involved in terrorism.

The announced deployment of army troops under Article 245 to assist the civil administration reflects the seriousness of the government's approach. Such assistance may be necessary in areas facing acute security threats, but lasting stability will require stronger civilian institutions capable of maintaining order over the long term.

The objective should be to create conditions in which communities no longer depend on extraordinary security arrangements to enjoy basic peace and normality. Emergency measures must produce a stronger state presence, more capable police and a credible pathway towards regular civilian administration.

Constitutional authority must serve the public interest

The government has invoked Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution as the basis for its intervention. It has also announced that the relevant measures will be placed before Parliament for consideration and endorsement through the prescribed proceedings.

Constitutional provisions must be applied according to their legal requirements, and the government's justification should be open to parliamentary examination. Emergency rule is an exceptional measure, which makes transparency, accountability and respect for fundamental rights especially important.

Supporting the government's stated objective of restoring peace does not mean that every administrative decision should escape scrutiny. On the contrary, effective oversight can strengthen public confidence and ensure that extraordinary powers are used for their intended purpose.

The government should clearly communicate the objectives of the intervention, the benchmarks by which progress will be measured and the conditions necessary for a return to normal constitutional governance. Citizens need assurance that the new arrangement is directed towards resolving the security crisis and restoring effective institutions.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that powers previously exercised by the provincial chief minister, cabinet and advisers have been transferred to the governor under the new arrangement. This concentration of administrative responsibility makes it particularly important to establish clear lines of accountability and ensure that decisions are guided by public need rather than political considerations.

A successful intervention should strengthen the credibility of the state, not create new uncertainty about the relationship between constitutional authority and democratic representation.

Political differences must not weaken the fight against terrorism

The confrontation between the federal government and PTI has become an important part of the debate surrounding Governor’s Rule. Federal ministers have accused the previous provincial administration of failing to cooperate adequately in counterterrorism efforts, while PTI and its supporters may challenge the government's justification and the manner in which the measures have been introduced.

Such disagreements should be resolved through evidence, constitutional procedures and political dialogue. Allegations of facilitating militant elements are serious and should not be treated as established facts without credible evidence. Equally, the political opposition must recognise that the protection of citizens is a responsibility shared by all levels of government.

Pakistan's security institutions cannot be expected to operate effectively if political disputes repeatedly obstruct intelligence-sharing, joint planning or the provision of resources to vulnerable districts.

The immediate priority must be to establish a workable framework for cooperation among the federal government, security agencies, police and local communities. The new administration should also keep communication channels open with political representatives who are prepared to contribute constructively to peace.

Political differences will continue in a democratic society. What must not continue is a situation in which those differences undermine the state's ability to respond to terrorism.

Peace must bring development and economic opportunity

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's future cannot be secured through security operations alone. Peace must be accompanied by economic recovery, improved education, better healthcare and opportunities for young people.

Businesses are reluctant to invest where violence threatens workers, transport and supply chains. Tourism suffers when travellers fear for their safety, while farmers and traders face additional costs when roads and markets become insecure. Families affected by militancy need support to rebuild their livelihoods and regain a sense of normality.

The Advisory Council should therefore coordinate security measures with a practical development agenda. Public investment should reach vulnerable districts, infrastructure projects should be monitored transparently and employment opportunities should be expanded wherever conditions permit.

Community engagement is equally essential. Religious scholars, tribal elders, teachers, local business leaders and civil society organisations can help counter extremist narratives and encourage cooperation with lawful authorities. Residents must be treated as partners in restoring peace, with their rights and dignity protected throughout the process.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa want peace, stability, development and prosperity. That aspiration should guide every decision taken under the new arrangement.

A necessary step must lead to lasting peace

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has expressed confidence that the security situation can return to normal and maintained that the federal government's objective is to eliminate terrorism rather than establish a political foothold in the province. The credibility of that assurance will depend on measurable improvements in public safety and governance.

The federal government has taken a consequential step and assumed substantial responsibility for its outcome. It must now demonstrate that the new administrative structure can improve coordination, strengthen law enforcement and restore public confidence. The Advisory Council must deliver results, the separate secretariat must address the needs of vulnerable districts, and Parliament must fulfil its responsibility to scrutinise the constitutional measures.

There should also be a clear understanding that emergency rule is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Its purpose must be to create the conditions for sustainable peace, stronger civilian institutions and a return to normal governance under the Constitution.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered enough from terrorism, instability and prolonged political confrontation. Its people deserve a future in which children can attend school safely, businesses can grow, families can travel without fear and public institutions can perform their duties effectively.

The federal government's decision should ultimately be judged by whether it delivers that future. If emergency rule produces better security, responsible administration and tangible improvements in people's lives, it will have served an important national purpose.

Restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not merely a provincial concern; it is essential to Pakistan's overall security, stability and economic progress. The moment calls for decisive leadership, constitutional responsibility and cooperation among all institutions. The objective must remain clear: defeat terrorism, protect citizens and ensure that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can move towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.

— Junaid Qaiser