Pakistan’s joint parliamentary session on Thursday approved resolutions endorsing the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary presented the resolutions. The session also reviewed presidential proclamations concerning the province, issued on October 11.
The motion recorded 214 votes in favour and 56 against, according to reports from the parliamentary session. Opposition members protested the measures during the proceedings. The vote count reported in coverage related to the procedural motion and should not be treated as a separate tally for each resolution.
Parliament Endorses Presidential Proclamations
The two resolutions concerned the proclamation of emergency under Article 232 of Pakistan’s Constitution and governor’s rule under Article 234.
The president had issued the proclamations on October 11 following a federal cabinet decision. The federal government cited security concerns and the need for stronger coordination against militancy in the province. However, the measures have faced opposition criticism.
Prime Minister Invites Opposition Leader for Talks
During the joint session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and renewed his invitation for negotiations.
The prime minister also highlighted the delay in appointing the chief election commissioner and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan. He said the process had remained stalled for about a year and described the appointments as an important constitutional requirement.
Sharif urged political parties not to politicise the matter, stressing the need to resolve the issue.
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Political Dialogue Remains a Key Issue
The parliamentary proceedings brought the emergency and governor’s rule measures into focus while also highlighting the continuing need for political engagement.
The government and opposition remain divided over the measures affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, the prime minister’s renewed offer of talks signals an attempt to reopen dialogue on outstanding political and constitutional issues.
