- Intelligence warns KP emergency rule risks civil conflict.
- Political forces, PTI, oppose federal takeover in KP.
- Rising anti-military sentiment fuels unrest in the province.
Top Pakistani intelligence agencies have cautioned the federal government and Asim Munir-led military that imposing emergency rule or governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) could spark widespread unrest and push the country toward civil conflict.
According to excerpts of a sensitive intelligence report accessed by CNN-News18, any direct federal takeover of the province risks a complete security breakdown.
Key political forces in the region, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and allied Pashtun nationalist groups, stand firmly united against the move.
Army chief responsible for the chaos
The report notes a sharp rise in anti-military sentiment across KP. Many local Pashtuns hold the Army Chief responsible for the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose strong popularity in the province is driving fierce resistance to federal intervention. Analysts warn that anger over Khan's perceived political victimisation could quickly spread unrest from KP into Punjab.
Public resentment is further fuelled by allegations that military operations target local communities, exploit mineral resources in the tribal districts, and force displacements under the pretext of an Afghan refugee crackdown.
Intelligence assessments also highlight that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has significantly strengthened its network in the province and is highly likely to exploit any political turmoil to expand operations and intensify clashes.
Military action under emergency powers would face severe challenges, as many locals increasingly view the army’s policies as serving external (particularly US) interests rather than national security.
With a PTI long march gaining momentum and the province already struggling under economic hardship, poverty, unemployment, and ongoing terrorist attacks, the federal government’s actual control over KP’s security apparatus remains limited.
Province failed to fight Islamist militancy: Sharif's Office
Federal authorities are reportedly examining Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution to impose emergency or governor’s rule, following a unanimous cabinet recommendation to President Asif Ali Zardari. The advice said the provincial government had failed to fight Islamist militancy, according to a statement from Prime Minister ShehbazSharif's office.
The constitution allows the federal government to take over some or all provincial government functions during an emergency, but the president's office did not specify how the province would be administered.
KP CM responds to emergency planning
In response, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the PTI Core Committee have strongly rejected the proposal, directing the provincial police chief and chief secretary to ignore any unconstitutional or illegal orders from Islamabad.
Zulfikar Bukhari, a close Khan aide and PTI spokesman, called it a "ridiculous decision", saying Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the country's "only legitimately elected government".
"This will only lead to further bloodshed, instability and collateral damage," he said, adding that there had always been room for talks but the decision showed negotiations were never the government's intention.