The federal cabinet has approved the transfer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister's powers to the provincial governor, moving day-to-day administration of the province under federal oversight while the state of emergency continues.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister's Office said the move was intended to ensure the smooth running of administrative affairs and improve governance during the emergency.

Governor to report monthly

Under the arrangement, the governor will submit a monthly review report to the federal government on how the transferred powers are being exercised. The cabinet said it hoped the KP Advisory Council, working under the governor, would make every effort for public welfare, prosperity and the restoration of law and order.

A Rs160bn package for the province

At the same meeting, MediaLine Pakistan reported that the prime minister announced a development and security package worth Rs160 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The package was finalised at the cabinet session, alongside the decision on the transfer of powers.

New currency designs approved

The cabinet also approved designs for a new series of currency notes, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Finance. The designs were drawn from artists and designers across the country after consultations with stakeholders. The meeting was told the new notes would carry stronger security features and more durable materials to curb counterfeiting, and that a 10-rupee coin would replace the existing 10-rupee banknote.

Defence pact with Kuwait ratified

The cabinet formally ratified a defence cooperation agreement with Kuwait, first signed in June 2023 and ratified by Kuwait in July. The emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was imposed on 11 October under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, suspending the PTI-run provincial government for an initial six months.