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.