Pakistan declares emergency in Imran Khan’s stronghold amid protests

12:00

By: Azzat Manal

Pakistan declares emergency in Imran Khan’s stronghold amid protests

Pakistan has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a northwestern province that serves as a political stronghold of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, following protests marked by unrest and growing dissatisfaction with economic conditions. The decision also comes amid demands for Khan’s release and a breakdown in negotiations between the central government and the provincial authorities.

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the emergency measures on Sunday, invoking Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution. Under the announced arrangements, the provincial government, led by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been suspended, with the provincial governor assuming direct administrative responsibility with the assistance of an advisory council.

The presidency said the decision followed a review of public order concerns and the failure of talks with government delegations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office cited worsening security conditions and accused the provincial administration of failing to take adequate action against terrorism. The provincial leadership and its supporters, however, have challenged the intervention.

Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the provincial government would remain suspended until conditions improved. The move gives the federal authorities broader powers over a province where Khan’s party holds considerable political influence.

PTI officials also reported the arrest of provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the party’s provincial leader on Sunday. Junaid Akbar, a senior party figure, announced the detentions on social media. At the time of the report, a government spokesperson had not immediately responded to a request for comment on the arrests.

PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan condemned the emergency declaration, describing it as a serious political mistake and an undemocratic measure. He warned that the public would not accept actions that violate its rights.

Security was tightened in Peshawar, the provincial capital, while roads were reportedly closed in several other cities. The measures coincided with protests by Khan’s supporters, who view the federal intervention as an attempt to undermine the province’s political mandate.

The unrest follows demonstrations held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the previous week, when thousands of PTI supporters organised marches demanding Khan’s release. The former prime minister, 73, has been imprisoned since 2023 and faces several charges, including corruption, treason and incitement to violence. Khan and his legal team reject the allegations, arguing that the cases against him are politically motivated.

His supporters have also raised concerns about his access to medical care and contact with his family. In August, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered his transfer to a private hospital, but he was returned to prison after a brief stay in a government hospital, according to the report.

Negotiations between the federal government and PTI collapsed on October 4. The two sides had disagreed over the party’s demands, including improved access to Khan’s doctors, with the authorities linking progress to an agreement on security measures in the province.

The political crisis is unfolding alongside heightened tensions between Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory of contributing to an increase in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities deny involvement and have accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks that harm civilians.

The dispute has escalated into armed clashes and Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Islamabad says the strikes targeted militants, while United Nations figures cited in the report indicate that at least 10 civilians, most of them children, were killed in the raids.

Fighting between the two countries intensified in February, and a ceasefire agreement was reached in March. However, mediation efforts involving several countries have yet to produce a lasting settlement, with disagreements over security continuing to complicate relations.

The emergency declaration therefore adds a new dimension to Pakistan’s political and security challenges. Its implementation, the response from Khan’s supporters and the future of negotiations between the federal government and PTI are likely to shape the next phase of the crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.