ISLAMABAD: A joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday approved the emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, completing the constitutional endorsement of measures the federal government imposed on the province at the weekend.
The sitting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, opened with prayers and Fateha for the children killed in the collapse of a school roof in Peshawar’s Dir Colony earlier in the day.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry first moved a procedural motion under Rule 232 of the Parliament (Joint Sitting) Rules, 1973, seeking to suspend certain sub-rules. Opposition members protested loudly, prompting the Speaker to put the motion to a headcount. It was adopted by 214 votes to 56.
Mr Chaudhry then moved two separate resolutions: one approving the Proclamation of Emergency under Article 232 of the Constitution, and another endorsing Governor’s Rule under Article 234. The emergency resolution was adopted by 240 votes to 46, and the Governor’s Rule resolution was also approved.
Opposition lawmakers attended wearing black armbands and carrying placards reading “emergency na manzoor” (emergency is unacceptable), chanting slogans through the proceedings. PTI leader Barrister Gohar said upholding the Constitution inside the House and carrying out their duties without fear or pressure was the opposition’s foremost responsibility.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar opened the debate, setting out the constitutional basis for the measures. He said special arrangements had been put in place to run the province’s affairs, and criticised the PTI-led provincial administration over counter-terrorism.
Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai questioned the whereabouts of detained Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, whose administration has been rendered non-functional by the federal measures.
The federal government imposed the emergency and Governor’s Rule on Sunday, citing the provincial government’s “deliberate disengagement” from the fight against terrorism. On Wednesday, the National Assembly and the Senate had each separately endorsed the emergency.
Under Article 234, Governor’s Rule lapses after two months unless the joint sitting approves an extension, and cannot last more than six months.
Read our earlier report: Joint Session Today to Ratify KP Emergency, Governor Rule
