Ali Zafar calls KP emergency unconstitutional, challenges government to present evidence

PTI Senator Syed Ali Zafar has challenged the constitutional grounds for imposing an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the government of using terrorism as a pretext to remove an elected provincial government.

Speaking during a Senate session, Ali Zafar said the fight against terrorism was a national responsibility but could not justify violating the Constitution.

“We are united in the resolve to defeat terrorism. However, let us not consign the Constitution to the wastebasket while fighting the war against terror,” he said.

The senator questioned which constitutional provision allowed the federal government to remove a provincial government on the grounds of terrorism.

He said Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution could not be invoked arbitrarily or used as political weapons against an opposing party.

Ali Zafar said Article 232 allowed an emergency in cases of external aggression, while an emergency arising from internal unrest required a resolution from the provincial assembly.

“Which law authorises you to take over a province on the grounds of terrorism?” he asked.

He accused the government of taking control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the pretext of terrorism and a lack of cooperation from the provincial administration.

The senator demanded that the government present the summary regarding the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule before the Senate.

He also challenged the government to provide evidence supporting allegations that members of the provincial government were terrorists or their facilitators.

“If the government alleges that the provincial government consists of terrorists or their facilitators, it must present evidence to the House,” he said.

Ali Zafar said no member of the Senate or Pakistani citizen supported terrorism, adding that the lives of military personnel, police officers and children were of the utmost importance.

“Terrorism is a cancer. We will stand against anyone who acts as its facilitator or accomplice,” he said.

He said difficulties in arranging meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan had affected the negotiations. He also referred to difficulties in securing compliance with Khan’s instructions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The senator said it appeared that there had been a predetermined intention to make the negotiations fail.

Ali Zafar accused the government of openly violating the Constitution by imposing emergency and governor’s rule in KP.

He said the parliamentary majority was likely to endorse the decision, but opposition members would continue to record their objections.

“We are in the minority in this House. While we cannot block the move, we will raise our voices for the sake of the historical record,” he said.

The senator compared the prevailing situation with the era of military ruler Zia-ul-Haq, alleging that judicial decisions appeared predetermined.

He said the opposition would use Parliament to present its position to the nation, referring to Nelson Mandela’s struggle.

Ali Zafar said the Constitution and Parliament were facing a test and called on the interior minister to identify any constitutional violations committed by PTI.

He maintained that the fight against terrorism must not become a justification for removing political opponents from power.

“Fighting the war against terrorism does not mean the Constitution should be dismantled or cast aside,” he said.