Both houses of Pakistan's Parliament on Wednesday approved the presidential proclamation of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The National Assembly adopted the resolution by a majority vote, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators walked out as the Senate gave its approval.
President Asif Ali Zardari proclaimed the emergency on October 11 under Article 232 of the Constitution, suspending the PTI-led provincial government and placing the province under governor's rule. The Constitution requires such a proclamation to be approved by both houses within ten days.
Opening the debate in the National Assembly, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar described the move as a last resort prompted by deteriorating law and order and rising militant attacks. He said the federal cabinet recommended it after roughly two and a half hours of deliberation and a review of available evidence.
Tarar told lawmakers that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 2,911 terrorism incidents between 2021 and 2024, and 3,787 between October 15, 2025 and October 9, 2026 alone, more than the previous three years combined.
The PTI opposes the emergency and has said it will challenge it in court. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq recalled the October 3 talks between the government and the PTI and praised both sides for their efforts. The National Assembly was adjourned until 11am on Friday, October 16.