3 hrs ago
Protests Erupt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa After Emergency Rule Declared
Pakistan's federal government has declared emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The change suspends the province's government, which is led by Imran Khan's PTI party.
Many people protested in the streets and said they opposed the move.
Chief Minister Suhail Afridi warned that people would react strongly.
He said protesters could march toward Peshawar.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measure after a cabinet decision and advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
PTI says the move disregards the choice voters made.
Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad warned it could add to instability and violence.
Pakistan's federal government declared emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government led by PTI, according to the reports.
Protesters took to the streets in the province, including in Bara market, and opposed imposing Governor's Rule or emergency rule.
Chief Minister Suhail Afridi warned that such action would prompt a strong public reaction and said people could march toward Peshawar.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measure after a cabinet decision and advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
PTI called the federal intervention an attack on its electoral mandate; Zalmay Khalilzad warned it could add to instability and violence.
- Who
- Pakistan's federal government, President Asif Ali Zardari, the PTI-led provincial government, and protesters.
- What
- Emergency rule was declared, suspending the provincial government, and protests took place against the move.
- Where
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, including Bara market.
- When
- Sunday, according to the report.
- Why
- The reports say the move came amid escalating tensions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government and PTI.
Federal intervention
PTI and opponents
Legitimacy of emergency rule
Federal intervention
The federal government proceeded with emergency rule after a cabinet decision and advice from the prime minister; the articles do not provide its detailed justification.
PTI and opponents
PTI condemned the suspension as an attack on its electoral mandate and democratic governance, while protesters said they would not accept the move.
Potential consequences
Federal intervention
The articles report the federal action but do not include a federal government response to warnings about its consequences.
PTI and opponents
Zalmay Khalilzad warned the intervention could become another source of instability and violence, and Chief Minister Suhail Afridi warned of a strong public reaction.
Key facts
- Province
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Federal action
- Emergency rule was approved, suspending the provincial government, according to the reports.
- Provincial government
- Led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
- Approval
- President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measure following a cabinet decision and advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- Protest location mentioned
- Bara market
- PTI leader
- Imran Khan has been in prison since 2023, according to the report.
Quotes
Zalmay Khalilzad
Former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation
“An additional potential source of instability and violence in Pakistan: the suspension of the elected provincial government and the imposition of federal emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan's crises deepen”
thehansindia.com
“any attempt to impose Governor's Rule, declare a state of emergency, or disregard the people's vote for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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