Pakistan Declares Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Suspends Imran Khan’s PTI Government

Pakistan has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government controlled by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party amid escalating political tensions and rising Islamist militant attacks.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency on Sunday following recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a federal cabinet decision. Authorities accused the PTI-led administration of failing to address growing security threats in the province bordering Afghanistan.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that a newly appointed governor would assume administrative control for an initial six months, with the possibility of an extension. Pakistan’s interior ministry also confirmed plans to deploy additional troops to strengthen security.

The decision follows preparations by PTI supporters to march toward Islamabad demanding Khan’s release. Authorities have detained hundreds of party activists, including three of Khan’s sisters, ahead of the planned demonstration.

Security forces have established extensive checkpoints across Islamabad, while shipping containers have been positioned to prevent protesters from reaching parliament.

PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari condemned the emergency declaration, describing it as "more of a coup disguised as emergency." He warned that the decision could trigger further violence and political instability.

Opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the intervention, calling it an attack on democracy.

The federal government maintains that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s leadership failed to contain militant violence, while PTI argues that Islamabad withheld essential funding and security equipment.

Former provincial leader Sohail Afridi has reportedly faced restrictions on his movements following the emergency announcement.

Sharif defended the intervention, citing repeated attacks against civilians and security personnel over the past two years.

“We can’t just act as a silent spectator,” he told cabinet members.

Pakistan has also accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks, allegations rejected by Kabul.

The political confrontation comes as Khan remains imprisoned over multiple legal cases, including allegations involving state gifts and violence. He denies wrongdoing, while most convictions against him have been suspended or overturned.

Although PTI-backed candidates secured the largest number of seats in Pakistan’s 2024 elections, the party formed a provincial government only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The emergency declaration now raises concerns about Pakistan’s political stability, democratic governance and worsening security challenges.