Pakistan’s president declared a state of emergency in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, suspending the provincial government led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The emergency rule effectively strips the elected provincial administration of its powers and places the province under the authority of the federally appointed governor.
The declaration came following a recommendation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, which cited a deteriorating law and order situation and the provincial government’s alleged failure to take effective action against terrorism. Officials pointed to ongoing security concerns related to militants linked with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an armed group responsible for attacks in the region. However, some data from local think tanks indicate that security-related deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have declined this year, even as violence has increased elsewhere in Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency order, which suspends the provincial cabinet, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who was reported arrested shortly after the announcement alongside Junaid Akbar, the PTI provincial president and member of parliament. The emergency decree places administrative powers usually held by the provincial government under the governor’s control, with the national parliament assuming the roles typically performed by the provincial assembly. The initial duration of the emergency rule is reportedly six months, subject to presidential authorization for any elections during that period.
The move represents the most significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the federal government and Khan’s PTI, which has been leading large-scale protests, including a “long march” through the province started on October 4. The demonstrations aim to demand Khan’s release, who has been imprisoned on corruption charges for over three years, and to call for what PTI supporters term the “restoration of constitutional supremacy.” The planned march towards the capital, Islamabad, has been a point of contention, with the government refusing to permit protesters to enter the city.
Opposition parties and some legal advocates have condemned the emergency declaration as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic governance. PTI representatives have vowed to continue resisting the suspension and have rejected the rationale provided by the federal government. Meanwhile, officials argue the state of emergency is necessary to maintain order and counter alleged links between PTI members and militant groups, citing concerns over potential violence.
Security forces have increased their presence throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with bans on public gatherings and protests imposed. Clashes between law enforcement and PTI supporters have been reported, contributing to an atmosphere of heightened tension. The situation in the province remains volatile, with calls from international observers for dialogue and restraint from all parties involved.