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Pakistan has declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province bordering Afghanistan. The decision suspends the provincial government led by the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
President Asif Ali Zardari announced the decision on Sunday after a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The federal government justified the intervention by citing an increase in attacks by armed groups in the region. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party rejected the government’s allegations and condemned the decision.
Federal government to take over provincial administration
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the governor would initially administer the province for six months. The period could be extended if necessary. The Ministry of the Interior said the deployment of military forces to the region was also planned.
Armed attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased in recent months. The federal government and military have blamed the PTI for failing to prevent the violence. The party says Islamabad has not allocated the resources and equipment needed to tackle the threat.
Movement restrictions have also been imposed on Sohail Afridi, who previously led the province, one of his close aides said.
PTI calls decision a threat to democracy
The decision has further heightened tensions between the federal government and the party as PTI supporters prepare to march on Islamabad, demanding Imran Khan’s release.
PTI spokesperson Zulfiqar Bukhari said the government was using emergency rule to prevent the protest. He described the decision as “a step that looks more like a coup under the cover of an emergency” and warned it could increase violence and instability.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the JUI-F party, which has taken part in efforts to mediate between the government and the PTI, also criticized the decision. At a news conference in Islamabad, he called the imposition of emergency rule “a trap set for democracy.”
Debate over the military’s role in Pakistani politics is also continuing. The government has expanded the military’s powers, while the PTI accuses the armed forces of exerting excessive influence over political affairs. The military denies the allegation.
Authorities have deployed tens of thousands of security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the planned protest. Shipping containers have been placed along roads to block routes leading to parliament.
Hundreds of PTI activists and three of Imran Khan’s sisters have also been detained ahead of the march. The party says the arrests are part of one of the largest crackdowns it has faced in recent years.
Previous protests by Khan’s supporters have also turned violent. A large-scale demonstration two years ago led to deadly clashes with security forces. Riots erupted across the country after Khan’s arrest in 2023, putting the military under pressure.
Khan, a 74-year-old former cricket star, is currently in prison. His party won the most seats in the 2024 election through candidates it backed, but was able to form a government only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His supporters allege that the military rigged the election results against him; the military denies this.
Khan faces charges in several cases, including allegations involving state gifts, incitement to violence and an unlawful marriage. All but one of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, and appeals are ongoing. Khan denies wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cited repeated attacks on security forces and civilians as the reason for the emergency decision. “We cannot simply remain silent spectators,” he said at a cabinet meeting.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of allowing armed groups to operate on its territory and organize attacks on Pakistan. Islamabad also accuses the PTI of sympathizing with the Taliban in Kabul and their allies inside the country. Both sides reject the allegations.
