Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has defended the federal government’s decision to impose governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), arguing that protecting citizens from terrorism is a fundamental responsibility of the state.
Speaking at a conference on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism landscape, Dar said the federal government could not remain inactive when people’s lives and security were at risk. He maintained that the intervention was driven by security concerns rather than political considerations.
Dar Says Citizen Safety Justifies Federal Action
Dar emphasised that the federal government has a responsibility to protect citizens across all parts of Pakistan, regardless of political differences or provincial boundaries.
“When it comes to the safety and security of our nationals, our citizens, wherever they live, any part of Pakistan, I think it is the duty of the federal government,” he said.
Rejecting allegations that the decision was politically motivated, Dar described it as a response to the terrorism that has affected K-P for approximately 15 years.
“It’s not a political move. It is surely against the menace of terrorism which the province has been hit with,” he said, adding that the government could not ignore security threats on political grounds.
Governor’s Rule in K-P Sparks Constitutional Debate
The measures were approved by President Asif Ali Zardari under Article 234 of the Constitution after the federal government concluded that intervention was necessary.
The decision followed growing tensions between the centre and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration over security performance and counter-terrorism efforts.
The provincial side rejected the move as unconstitutional, highlighting the political and constitutional disagreement surrounding federal intervention in the province.
The development has placed renewed attention on the balance between provincial authority, constitutional provisions and the federal government’s stated responsibility to address security threats.
Dar Highlights Pakistan’s Economic and Human Cost of Terrorism
Dar said Pakistan had suffered substantial economic and human losses during its prolonged fight against militancy. According to his remarks, the country’s economic losses from terrorism exceed $150 billion, compared with external debt of approximately $130 billion.
He recalled attacks on civilians, including the killing of children at the Army Public School in Peshawar, bombings targeting mosques, markets and bus stops, and attacks on labourers because of their regional backgrounds.
“These are not just statistics. This is the price the Pakistani nation has paid and continues paying,” he said.
The deputy prime minister expressed hope that the government’s latest measures would contribute to restoring peace, protecting lives and reducing radicalisation in the coming weeks and months.
Government Prioritises Security Despite Political Differences
Dar said the government had previously taken difficult decisions when national interests were at stake and was prepared to accept political consequences when public safety required action.
He referred to past economic decisions taken when Pakistan faced the risk of default, arguing that governments sometimes have to act despite the political costs involved.
Dar also recalled earlier engagement with the same political party during a prolonged sit-in in Islamabad. He said political differences should not prevent dialogue, while maintaining that citizen security must remain a priority when the state considers intervention necessary.
His remarks underscored the government’s position that security concerns should be addressed alongside efforts to maintain political engagement.
Azm-e-Istehkam and National Action Plan Remain Priorities
Dar said Pakistan’s broader counter-terrorism efforts continue to include the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative and renewed attention to the National Action Plan (NAP).
These initiatives remain part of the national approach to addressing militancy and improving security coordination. The government has presented its actions in K-P as part of its wider responsibility to counter terrorism and protect citizens.
The effectiveness of the latest measures, however, will depend on their implementation, coordination among relevant authorities and their impact on security conditions in the province.