Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has officially denied circulating media reports about the imposition of governor’s rule in the province during a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday.
“I am hearing through the media that the governor’s rule is being imposed,” Kundi stated. “To this day, I maintain that for now, there is no talk of governor’s rule.” He acknowledged that the Constitution of Pakistan contains a provision for such a measure. However, he emphasised that no one from the federal government has initiated any official discussion with him regarding its activation.
Governor Kundi also commented on the current administrative and security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed his belief that the province’s conditions do not allow for widespread public protests.
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“The province is already burdened with issues, including law and order,” he said. This statement highlights the province’s fragile security environment as a key factor in its political stability. Despite the governor’s denial, political sources indicate that the federal government has held preliminary discussions on the possibility of governor’s rule.
Reports suggest that six potential candidates are under consideration should a change in governorship be deemed necessary. The list includes three political figures: Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Pervez Khattak, and Aftab Sherpao.
Alternatively, the government may consider appointing one of three retired military officers. The names mentioned are Lieutenant General (r) Khalid Rabbani, Lieutenant General (r) Ghayur Mehmood, and Lieutenant General (r) Tariq Khan.
Sources indicate that the initial preference is to retain Governor Kundi. However, other options are being weighed in case a final decision cannot be reached. Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office have separately stated that no formal decision has been taken regarding governor’s rule in K-P.
