PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC), challenging the imposition of an emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The petition was filed through Advocate Ali Zaman and contests the measures introduced by the federal government following the declaration of an emergency in the province.
According to the provided report, the emergency was declared on October 21 after the president approved the summary. The federal government subsequently issued a gazette notification under Article 232 of the Constitution, providing for the transfer of provincial government powers to the governor.
The government cited a rise in terrorist attacks and a worsening law-and-order situation as grounds for the decision. An official statement said attacks on government facilities, critical infrastructure and law enforcement agencies had increased.
The statement also alleged that the provincial government had failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment or take effective action to curb terrorism and maintain law and order.
Under the notification, the governor is authorised to exercise provincial government functions assigned by the federal government. It also empowers the federal government to direct the governor to assume responsibility for all or specific provincial affairs.
The notification further provides that the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be exercised by Parliament or under its authority.
Barrister Gohar’s petition challenges the constitutional measures introduced in the province. Further proceedings will determine how the high court addresses the legal objections raised in the case.
