Faisal Gul

Security and Self-Determination for the People of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Governor’s rule is meant to protect lives and return powers to the people’s elected representatives as soon as circumstances allow. For most families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a debate over the rule of a governor versus the rule of elected representatives is about whether a student gets to walk to school, a shopkeeper can open promptly, and a police officer can return home safely at night. And that is the frame of reference through which to see today’s storyline.

A Big Step, and a Big Responsibility: On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari, on the advice of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in the province on the grounds of Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, shifting powers from the Chief Minister and cabinet to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who will rule with the guidance and oversight of an 11-member advisory council, and the assistance of the army. Twelve districts will be administered separately, under the supervision of a secretariat set up by the federal government, with Parliament expected to endorse the measures in the coming days. An emergency is an exceptional order requiring an exceptional performance of duties to explain and deliver, which in turn requires a prompt retreat.

Why Security Is a Concern: The federal government has attributed a 196% rise in terrorism incidents in the province over the past two-and-a-half years to the increasing frequency of attacks on police and security establishments. According to reports presented to the federal cabinet, 75% of attacks so far this year had targeted police and security installations, while drones have also contributed to the concern. Behind those numbers are officers, parents, students, and shopkeepers who are concerned about living a life free from the fear of violence.That sentiment is echoed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which had ruled the province until Sunday and has reminded the country that the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens, police personnel, and its workers in the fight against terrorism are appreciated. The issue of restoring a secure province is not in dispute, but the methods are.

Why Provincial Autonomy Matters: Provincial autonomy is not a luxury, per se. An elected body provides a local connection: farmers in Swat and traders in Bannu have someone close to ask questions of and hold accountable, while local police officers and lawmakers can take the pulse of the districts and roads in a way that officers thousands of miles away cannot. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called for the provincial government, administration, and police to be taken into confidence before new security policies were created, prior to the imposition of emergency rule. Regardless of how one views the larger political context, such an approach has merit: policies carry more weight when they are developed with the input of those who will enforce them in their districts. Governor Kundi himself has described governor’s rule as a possibility of last resort, meant to prevent greater damage. As such, it serves as a reminder that this should be a special order, not the new normal, and an opportunity to make security and self-rule coexist.

How to Earn the Confidence of the People: Powers that come with conditions are best exercised by those who use them in ways that can be understood. Four things would help. First, establish clear goals and timelines and meet the expectations of the people, whether that means laying out specific improvements in community safety or announcing them clearly to Parliament and the public. Second, invest in protections that work. The Safe City surveillance system in Peshawar is helpful, but violence continues to plague Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan. Adding cameras, anti-drone measures, and other tools would provide police with greater protection. Third, turn to local elders, police chiefs, trade unions, teachers, and civic organizations—those who understand what is unfolding on a day-to-day basis—and ask for their input. It makes enforcement and credibility easier.

Fourth, map out a return to electoral rule. The sooner it happens, the earlier voters will experience a restoration of normalcy—a point that all sides agree on, however quietly it may be expressed. Saying it loudly will reduce tensions and reassure voters.

The Yardstick: Security and self-rule are not at odds. A province that feels unprotected cannot provide effective self-rule, while a sense of abandonment can make protection challenging. Federal authorities and the province’s elected representatives serve the same masters: the people. The best possible outcome is the restoration of a sense of peace and trust, and the return of voters to their proper roles as empowered citizens as soon as responsibly possible. That is the standard by which this process should be measured, and what Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserves.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Himalayan Research Institute Pakistan (THRIP)

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Faisal Gul is an undergraduate student of Defense and Strategic Studies at Quaid-I-Azam, University, Islamabad. He Can be Reached at: [email protected]