KP CM seeks to remove governor over disputed security meeting

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government has challenged the authority of the KP governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, to chair a security meeting with senior provincial officials held on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought the advocate general's opinion, calling the meeting an “attack on the Constitution”, as tensions rise with the federal government.

Can the KP governor chair a security meeting?

The governor's office and senior officials say yes, arguing Kundi was exercising his constitutional right to stay informed about provincial administration rather than assuming executive authority. Officials cite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rules of Business, framed under Article 139, which they say let the governor seek information on police and law-and-order matters. Afridi disputes this.

Kundi chaired the security meeting on Tuesday with Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and other senior officials. The meeting reviewed the province's security, law-and-order and counterterrorism situation. Kundi called for stronger measures to combat militancy and protect public safety.

Can a provincial government remove a governor in Pakistan?

Afridi sought the advocate general's opinion on the constitutional validity of Kundi's meeting with the chief secretary, police chief and other senior officials. He also directed the chief secretary and inspector general of police not to comply with any orders they consider unconstitutional. Afridi said Kundi's decision to summon the officials and preside over the meeting amounted to an “attack on the Constitution”, and that his government would not allow anyone to undermine constitutional or legal authority.

The dispute centres on the governor's constitutional role and whether he can convene security meetings involving senior provincial officials in the absence of governor's rule. Afridi questioned the legal mechanism for removing a governor and said that, if necessary, the provincial assembly could legislate to seek Kundi's removal.

Under Article 101 of Pakistan's Constitution, however, a provincial governor is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and holds office during the president's pleasure. The Constitution does not provide for a provincial-assembly impeachment process for governors.

Why are tensions rising between KP and the federal government?

The latest confrontation comes as political tensions rise over a protest march towards Islamabad led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which also leads the provincial government. The party began the first phase of the march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on 4 October, with Afridi leading the convoy. The protest aims to secure the release of jailed PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and follows the collapse of negotiations between the party and the federal government.

The march has further strained relations between the provincial and federal governments, with security and counterterrorism policy among the key points of disagreement. The convoy reached Mattani on Tuesday after passing through Karak and Kohat, while Afridi said the next phase of the protest would begin after 8 October.

The prospect of federal intervention has also added to the tensions. Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi discussed the security and political situation on 4 October, including the possibility of governor's rule or an emergency if the president and prime minister deemed such action necessary. Kundi has separately said he would fulfil his constitutional responsibilities if the federal leadership decided to impose governor's rule or an emergency in the province.