Whispers of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have grown louder as tensions between the federal government and the provincial administration escalate, fuelling intense speculation about the future of the governor’s office and the province’s political direction.
Social media platforms have amplified the rumours, with claims of imminent federal intervention circulating widely. Senior political and administrative sources confirm that six names are under consideration for a possible change in the governor’s position, three political figures and three retired military officers.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the political names reportedly being examined include Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Amir Haider Khan Hoti, and Pervez Khattak. The retired military officers under review include Lieutenant General (retired) Khalid Rabbani, Lieutenant General (retired) Ghayur Mehmood, and Lieutenant General (retired) Tariq Khan.
Meanwhile, current Governor Faisal Karim Kundi insists he has no information about his possible removal. “If the media is going to appoint governors, then only God can help,” he said, adding that he will accept whatever decision the party takes.
Kundi recently met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and according to insiders, the federal government had indicated that it would not replace him. Nevertheless, speculation about his ouster has resurfaced in media discussions and political circles.
PTI rejects governor’s rule speculation
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has dismissed all talk of Governor’s Rule as political noise. Yet federal officials acknowledge that if the centre considers imposing Governor’s Rule, replacing the governor becomes increasingly complicated.
Sources say the federal government has advised the incumbent governor to continue performing his duties. Similar rumours surfaced in previous months, but the combination of political friction and security concerns has given new life to the debate.
Security and regional tensions fuel concerns
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s current circumstances include deep political instability, a spike in terrorist attacks, and growing security threats from Afghanistan. Federal officials argue that this combination may justify extraordinary measures, including the possible imposition of Governor’s Rule.
The provincial capital is witnessing a significant presence of stranded Afghan nationalslp, unable to leave due to border closures. Authorities fear the situation could spiral into a law-and-order challenge.
At the same time, other provinces have launched major public projects over the past 18 months, while KP continues to struggle due to the federal government’s delayed transfer of divisible pool funds.
Constitutional protections limit governor’s rule, but mistrust grows
Pakistan’s Constitution includes safeguards designed to protect provincial autonomy, notably the requirement that emergencies triggered by internal disorder must be approved by the provincial assembly. These safeguards offer the KP government some constitutional cover.
However, any attempt to introduce Governor’s Rule would deepen mistrust and widen the gulf between Islamabad and Peshawar. Analysts warn that such steps could worsen political confrontation rather than resolve underlying issues.
A call for negotiation instead of confrontation
Political observers argue that the key to stabilising the province lies not in federal intervention but in meaningful dialogue between provincial and federal leadership. They point out that a year of hostile politics has achieved little, and the worsening security climate demands cooperation, not confrontation.
The KP government faces mounting security challenges, including daily militant attacks and border-related threats. Analysts believe these pressures create an opportunity for the provincial government to initiate a shift toward reconciliation.
Rather than seeing negotiation as a weakness, experts argue, KP’s leadership must recognise that dialogue is essential to governance. With financial strain rising and security risks intensifying, collaboration may be the only path to stability.
