Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has declared a state of emergency in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party ahead of a planned protest march to Islamabad.
The decision, announced on Sunday, October 11, 2026, followed a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal cabinet. The government cited concerns over rising militant violence and accused the provincial administration of failing to cooperate adequately in counterterrorism efforts.
Federal Government Takes Control of the Province
Under the emergency measures, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s governor will assume authority over provincial affairs, supported by an 11-member advisory council, according to government officials.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused the provincial government of prioritising efforts to secure Khan’s release instead of adequately addressing security challenges. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also pointed to a significant increase in militant violence in the region.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa borders Afghanistan and has experienced repeated attacks attributed largely to the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The federal government maintains that stronger coordination is needed to combat militancy and improve security. However, the suspension has intensified tensions between Sharif’s administration and Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Imran Khan’s Party Condemns the Decision
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari criticised the emergency declaration, describing it as a disguised coup and arguing that the move undermines the province’s elected leadership.
The party has maintained that its government has a democratic mandate following Pakistan’s February 2024 elections. PTI has also rejected accusations that it sympathises with militant groups.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption and other charges, which he and his party describe as politically motivated. Despite his imprisonment, he remains a prominent figure in Pakistan’s political landscape.
The latest decision has raised further questions about relations between the federal government and the opposition, particularly regarding provincial autonomy and the handling of security challenges.
Planned March Raises Political Tensions
The emergency declaration comes as PTI supporters prepare to march towards Islamabad to demand Khan’s release. Provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had urged supporters to participate in the protest campaign.
The federal government has opposed the planned demonstration, citing security concerns and the recent increase in militant attacks. Authorities have erected shipping-container barricades along key routes into Islamabad and deployed additional security personnel to prevent unrest.
PTI has also sought improved access to Khan, including permission for family visits and appropriate medical attention.
As Pakistan faces continuing security challenges and political disagreements, the emergency measures are likely to intensify the dispute between the government and Khan’s supporters.
Swifteradio.com
