PM Shehbaz defends emergency, governor’s rule in KP amid rising terrorism

Business Recorder · 22/10/2026، 11:23:17 AM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday defended the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the worsening security situation and a resurgence of terrorism, while blaming the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for undermining counterterrorism efforts. The development comes weeks after the federal government imposed emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reportedly over disagreement between the centre and province over counterterrorism measures. Addressing a high-level meeting of the Apex Committee, the prime minister said the government had been compelled to take the measures in response to the deteriorating security situation in the province. He accused the previous PTI government of allowing terrorists to return, claiming that its actions had undermined the gains made in the fight against terrorism. “The people-related issues, including education and the protection of citizens, were sidelined,” the prime minister said, describing the alleged failure to prioritise public safety as an act against the national interest. The Apex Committee meeting was attended by federal and provincial ministers and relevant officials including senior military leadership. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal were also among the participants of the meeting, which reviewed the overall security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and measures being taken to combat terrorism. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz pointed to shortcomings in the provincial police and counterterrorism infrastructure, saying around 5,000 police posts had remained vacant during the previous government’s tenure. He also cited delays in completing Safe City projects, a lack of significant improvements in the Counter Terrorism Department’s capabilities and inadequate measures for police training. He said the federal government