Federal government sends draft ordinance widening KP governor's powers
The draft, forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Asif Ali Zardari, would extend Governor Faisal Karim Kundi's authority over 12 special districts.
The federal government has decided to widen the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor under the emergency in force in the province and has sent a draft ordinance to President Asif Ali Zardari, according to government sources.
Aaj News reported on Sunday that the draft would give Governor Faisal Karim Kundi additional authority over the province's 12 special districts during the emergency. Express News reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had forwarded the draft to the president, and that the decision was taken in view of the law and order situation in the province.
Both outlets, citing government sources, said the president is expected to issue the ordinance on the prime minister's advice shortly.
The National Assembly session has been rescheduled because of the move. Government sources told Aaj News that an ordinance cannot be issued once a National Assembly session has been summoned.
Emergency and governor's rule were imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 11 October under Articles 232 and 234 of the constitution, on the federal government's recommendation. Parliament endorsed the step on 15 October.
The provincial government headed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was suspended and its administrative powers were handed to Governor Kundi. An 11-member advisory council of technocrats was formed to assist him and was given the status of an interim cabinet. The council advises the governor on day-to-day government business and policy decisions.
The federal government also constituted a special regional representative and development council for 12 districts of the province, including the former FATA, with 48 members. Shawkatullah Khan was appointed its chairman and Malik Khan Marjan its vice-chairperson.
The federal government said the council was set up to make development projects effective through consultation with local jirgas and regional representatives, to promote administrative transparency and to identify local problems. It said the arrangement would allow development work to be planned around the needs of the districts concerned.
How the reports differ
Aaj News and Express News both reported the draft ordinance and the rescheduling of the National Assembly session from government sources. Express News named Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the one who sent the draft and framed the decision around the province's law and order situation, which Aaj News did not lead with. Aaj News alone carried the detail of the 11-member advisory council and the 48-member development council for the 12 districts, with its chairman and vice-chairperson named. Tv One USA carried a headline only, saying governor's rule in the province had been challenged in court, and gave no petitioner, court or date.
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