Constitutional Requirements Could Trigger Emergency in KP: Azam Tarar

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Monday that an emergency could be imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if circumstances fulfil the constitutional requirements for such a measure.

“The Constitution is very clear regarding the imposition of an emergency,” the minister said.

Tarar said that if the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached a point where the Constitution provided for such action, an emergency could be imposed.

“If the constitutional requirements are met, then this will certainly take place,” he added.

His remarks came as criticism from federal ministers intensified over the PTI-led KP government’s handling of terrorism and the deteriorating security situation in the province.

Earlier on Monday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused the provincial government of failing to take what they described as effective measures against terrorism.

Attaullah Tarar also repeated his allegation that PTI leadership was acting as the “B-team” of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (T approach” towards Afghanistan. He raised concerns over recent amendments to the KP Police Act, arguing that the changes had reduced police and PTI were made by federal ministers in the context of an ongoing political dispute. The material provided does not include a response from the KP governmentTP), a claim that remains a political allegation.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, the information minister called on PTI to clarify its position regarding Pakistan and Afghanistan amid continued terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He alleged that the provincial government had not taken sufficient ownership of counterterrorism operations and had failed to provide adequate support to the police.

Tarar also questioned the utilisation of funds allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for counterterrorism purposes. He said the federal government had offered modern vehicles to the provincial police but claimed that the offer was not accepted.

The minister further accused the KP leadership of failing to condemn recent cross-border firing from Afghanistan. He alleged that the provincial administration was giving greater attention to political protests than to security and governance matters.

Talal Chaudhry also criticised what he described as the provincial government’s “soft approach” towards Afghanistan. He raised concerns over recent amendments to the KP Police Act, arguing that the changes had reduced police powers.

Chaudhry said the federal government had repeatedly sought cooperation from the provincial administration on counterterrorism matters. He alleged that KP representatives had failed to participate in relevant meetings despite calling for greater consultation with Islamabad.

The federal ministers reiterated the government’s stated commitment to combating terrorism and supporting security institutions.

The accusations against the KP government and PTI were made by federal ministers in the context of an ongoing political dispute. The material provided does not include a response from the KP government or PTI to the specific allegations.