Politics · Other · 6 hrs ago
Pakistan declares emergency in province governed by Imran Khan's party
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has declared emergency rule in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party governs.
The move suspends the provincial government’s powers and allows the federal government to take over some or all of its functions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government says the province’s authorities have not done enough to tackle Islamist militancy and rising attacks.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has been holding protests and pressing for his release from prison, where he has been held since August 2023.
Khan and his supporters say the charges against him are politically motivated, while the government denies that claim.
The emergency was declared as a protest march in the province called for Khan’s release and medical treatment, with supporters also threatening to march on the capital, Islamabad.
The federal government has not said exactly how it will administer the province, or whether the emergency will stop the planned march.
President Asif Ali Zardari declared emergency rule in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on October 11, suspending the powers of its elected government.
The provincial government is led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
The federal government says the move is needed to address rising terrorist attacks and what it describes as the provincial government’s failure to tackle militancy.
The declaration allows the federal government to assume key provincial executive and legislative powers.
The decision comes as PTI supporters are marching and protesting to demand Khan’s release from jail.
- Who
- President Asif Ali Zardari declared the emergency after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet recommended it.
- What
- Emergency rule was imposed, suspending the powers of the PTI-led provincial government.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in northwestern Pakistan.
- Why
- The federal government cited rising terrorist attacks and a deteriorating law-and-order situation, and accused the provincial government of failing to tackle militancy.
Pakistan’s federal government
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PTI-led government and party
Reason for the emergency
Pakistan’s federal government
The federal government says the province is not doing enough to combat terrorism and faces a grave law-and-order situation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PTI-led government and party
PTI rejects accusations that it is failing to address militancy; its spokesman called the decision ridiculous.
Impact of the decision
Pakistan’s federal government
The emergency allows federal authorities to assume provincial functions to address the security crisis.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PTI-led government and party
PTI’s spokesman said the decision could lead to further bloodshed and instability, and argued that talks had been possible.
The KP government is not saying a word against militancy… It is time to take a decision as we have reached a moment of now or never
This will only lead to further bloodshed, instability and collateral damage
The Cabinet recommended that the Prime Minister advise the President to exercise his constitutional authority and impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan, given the gravity of the situation
A protest march began in Lakki Marwat and passed through several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi vowed to continue peaceful protests and rejected military operations as a solution.
The federal cabinet endorsed the emergency proposal after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
President Asif Ali Zardari declared the emergency, which took effect immediately.
- Province
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan
- President
- Asif Ali Zardari
- Prime minister
- Shehbaz Sharif
- Provincial governing party
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
- Constitutional provisions
- Articles 232 and 234
Sources
Pakistan imposes emergency rule over ex-PM Imran Khan’s provincial government
Pakistan President suspends government in province ruled by Imran Khan's party
Pakistan: President puts Khan stronghold province under emergency rule
Pakistan President declares emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial government ceases to exist
Imran Khan's party's provincial government suspended by Pakistan president
Pakistan imposes emergency rule in province governed by Imran Khan's party
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