ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday said that the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a constitutional measure taken as a last resort due to rising terrorist attacks and the deteriorating security situation.
Speaking at a joint sitting of Parliament, he said the Constitution allowed such a measure and the government had followed the required legal procedure.
He said that the 18th Constitutional Amendment required the emergency proclamation to be presented before Parliament within a specified period.
Citing official figures, the minister said 2,911 terrorist incidents were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 2021 to 2024.
He added that 3,787 incidents were recorded between October 15, 2025, and October 9, 2026.
Referring to attacks in Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur and Tank, he paid tribute to religious scholars, police personnel, members of the armed forces and other officials who had lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.
Tarar said the decision was taken after reviewing reports from security agencies and a detailed letter from the governor about the security situation and the provincial government’s response.
He said the reports contained sensitive information that could not be made public.
The minister said President Asif Ali Zardari issued the emergency proclamation on the advice of the prime minister after reviewing the available information.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been given an additional one per cent share from the federal divisible pool to help cover the costs of counter-terrorism efforts.
Tarar also raised concerns about the province’s ability to investigate terrorist incidents and strengthen its Counter Terrorism Department and forensic facilities.
He said the emergency was aimed at protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.