Farogh Naseem Hints At Invoking Article 149 In Karachi. Pakistan Erupts In Debate!

Article 149 of the Constitution of Pakistan deals with giving the federal government greater authority to manage provincial affairs in specific domains. The constitutional injunction reads:

149. Directions to Provinces in certain cases.—(1) The executive authority of every Province shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive authority of the Federation, and the executive authority of the Federation shall extend to the giving of such directions to a Province as may appear to the Federal Government to be necessary for that purpose.

1[(2)] Omitted.

(3) The executive authority of the Federation shall also extend to the giving of directions to a Province as to the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared in the direction to be of national or strategic importance.

(4) The executive authority of the Federation shall also extend to the giving of directions to a Province as to the manner in which the executive authority thereof is to be exercised for the purpose of preventing any grave menace to the peace or tranquility or economic life of Pakistan or any part thereof.

-Article 149

In short, Article 149 of the constitution can be invoked if the federal government feels that it needs to oversee such matters as the construction and maintenance of strategic communication channels and to prevent grave threats to public life and property.

The article allows for the federal government to exercise its powers in these areas without disrupting the provincial government or resorting to Governor rule.

Read: Police Brutality In Pakistan: A Timeline From The Last 10 Years

Farogh Naseem says center might take-over administrative control of Karachi by invoking Article 149

Federal Law Minister Farogh Naseem, who is also heading a high-level committee formed by Prime Minister Imran Khan to suggest short, medium and long-term measures to improve the ever deteriorating situation in Karachi recently hinted at plans of the center to take-over the affairs of the metropolis.

Naseem is likely to present his recommendations to the cabinet this week and the Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement in this regard by 14th September during his visit to Karachi.

Pakistan Peoples Party – the ruling political force in Sindh – has pledged to resist any move made by the center to takeover administrative control of the provincial capital.

The news has generated a colossal amount of debate overnight with Pakistanis contesting the article’s merits and demerits.

Both proponents of PTI and those who are disillusioned by what they believe is the incapacity of the Sindh government have put their full support behind Naseem’s proposal.

On the other hand, Sindhi nationalism is at an all time high with some fearing that Karachi might be separated from the province altogether.

While a final decision is awaited, emotions are running high on both sides of the political divide within and outside Sindh.

What is your opinion about the possible use of Article 149 in Karachi? Share your views in the comments below.