Pakistan declares emergency in Imran Khan’s stronghold: What happened?

Islamabad: Pakistan has declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), citing rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the northwestern province. The proclamation, issued by President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday, immediately removes the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general from their offices.

The move gives Pakistan’s federal government powers to assume key executive and legislative functions in the province during the emergency. The provincial government was led by Imran Khan’s PTI, which has been at odds with the federal government over security, Khan’s imprisonment and the party’s ongoing protest campaign.

Why has Pakistan declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

According to the presidential declaration, the emergency was imposed under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution in response to rising terrorist incidents and a deteriorating law and order situation.

The declaration cited attacks on government installations, infrastructure and law enforcement agencies. It accused the provincial government of failing to take adequate measures to contain terrorism and lawlessness.

It also referred to a report by the provincial governor that allegedly highlighted a breakdown of constitutional machinery and the provincial government’s inability to function in accordance with the Constitution.

Pakistan’s federal cabinet endorsed the proposal earlier on Sunday during a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet accused the provincial government of disengaging from efforts to combat terrorism and recommended that the prime minister advise the president to impose an emergency.

Sharif said the federal government had provided at least PKR 800 billion to the province over the past decade for counterterrorism and security, but alleged that the situation had not improved.

These allegations formed part of the federal government’s justification for the decision.

What happens under the emergency?

Under the proclamation, the federal government can direct the provincial governor to assume some or all functions of the provincial government. The governor may also exercise powers relating to provincial institutions, including the provincial assembly, as directed by the federal government.

The declaration states that the powers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will be exercised by Pakistan’s Parliament or under its authority.

The emergency took effect immediately, according to the presidential declaration. The move significantly changes the province’s governance arrangements by shifting authority away from the elected provincial administration.

Emergency comes amid protest march demanding Imran Khan’s release

The decision comes as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi leads a protest march demanding the release of Imran Khan and access to medical treatment for the former prime minister.

The march began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 and passed through several districts. PTI had initially planned to take the demonstration to Islamabad for a sit-in, but the federal government said it would not allow protesters to enter the capital.

Afridi vowed on Saturday to continue peaceful protests and rejected military operations as a solution to the province’s problems.

The party’s demands include an immediate meeting with Khan, access for his personal doctors, the release of his sisters and supporters arrested ahead of the protest, a proper medical check-up for his wife, Bushra Bibi, and hearings in their cases without interference.

Khan, 73, has been in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since 2023 and faces more than 100 cases, including corruption charges and cases related to alleged incitement of violence.

The latest protest followed two rounds of talks between PTI and the federal government that failed to produce an agreement. The discussions reportedly broke down over PTI’s demand for access to Khan before ending the protest, while the government insisted that the demonstration be called off first.

Islamabad tightens security as tensions rise

The federal government had warned that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad. Security was tightened, and roads along the planned route were blocked with shipping containers.

The emergency declaration adds another dimension to the confrontation between the federal government and PTI, which controls the provincial administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The immediate impact will depend on how the federal government and provincial governor exercise the powers granted under the proclamation, as well as how PTI responds to the removal of its provincial leadership.

What the emergency means for Pakistan

The emergency gives Pakistan’s federal government greater control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including key executive and legislative functions. This shifts authority away from the elected PTI-led provincial government.

The federal government says the move is necessary because of rising terrorist attacks and alleged failures by the provincial administration to tackle militancy. However, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has rejected military operations as a solution, highlighting the disagreement over how to address the security crisis.

The decision also comes amid PTI’s campaign for Imran Khan’s release and access to medical treatment. This adds to tensions between the provincial leadership and the federal government.

The implementation of emergency powers will be important for provincial autonomy and democratic governance, particularly as PTI responds to the removal of its provincial leadership.