PHC Orders KP Governor to Administer Oath to Newly Elected Chief Minister by Tomorrow

Peshawar— The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Faisal Karim Kundi, to administer the oath to the newly elected Chief Minister without delay. The court ruled that if the governor fails to do so by 4 PM on Wednesday, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly will be authorized to conduct the swearing-in.

The decision came in response to a petition filed over the delay in the oath-taking ceremony. The PHC issued a nine-page written verdict, stating that any further postponement would create a constitutional vacuum in the province. The court emphasized that under the Constitution, the Chief Justice has the authority to nominate someone to administer the oath if necessary.

Read more: PHC Reserves Verdict on Petition Regarding Swearing-in of New KP Chief Minister

During the hearing, the governor’s legal representative informed the court that Governor Kundi was currently in Karachi and would return by 2 PM on Wednesday. He added that the governor had summoned Ali Amin Gandapur, the outgoing CM, at 3 PM for verification of his resignation. Gandapur had publicly announced his resignation on the floor of the KP Assembly on October 13, and the transcript of that speech was submitted in court.

According to constitutional provisions, the office of the Chief Minister is currently vacant, and the new CM must take the oath before assuming office.

In response to the court ruling, Governor Kundi stated, “I have always maintained that we will act according to the law and the Constitution. I never refused to administer the oath.”

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Directs Governor to Comply with Court Order

Meanwhile, in Karachi, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari instructed Governor Kundi—who was present during a private event—to immediately proceed to Peshawar to fulfill his constitutional duty. Addressing Kundi directly during his speech, Bilawal said, “Governor sahib, you must go to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now.” He also requested Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to provide an aircraft for the governor’s travel.

Following Bilawal’s directive, Governor Kundi prepared to depart for Peshawar immediately to comply with the court’s instructions.

This development marks a crucial step toward resolving the administrative uncertainty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upholding constitutional order in the province.