PTI has been mobilising supporters to pressure the federal government over Khan’s imprisonment
President Asif Ali Zardari issued the proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, citing rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the province. The decision comes as thousands of PTI supporters march towards Islamabad, demanding Khan’s release and access to medical treatment for the former prime minister, who has been in prison since 2023 on corruption and other charges. KPK Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the protest march, which began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 and has passed through several districts. Earlier reporting noted: As per Pakistan’s Dawn, the action has been taken under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, the President House mentioned in a statement.
Because of the grave security situation and the provincial government’s alleged failure to tackle militancy, the presidential declaration said the emergency had been imposed.
“This will only lead to further bloodshed, instability and collateral damage,” he said, adding that there had always been room for talks but the decision showed negotiations were never the government’s intention. During the meeting, Sharif was told about the situation in the province. Earlier reporting noted: The Prime Minister Office (PMO) released a statement where it stated that cabinet members analysed the prevailing situation and observed the “provincial government’s deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism”.
The move strips the elected provincial administration of its powers, with the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general required to vacate their offices. The party has described the cases against him as politically motivated. The emergency also follows failed negotiations between PTI and the federal government over the planned protest. PTI has been mobilising supporters to pressure the federal government over Khan’s imprisonment. The party had initially planned to take the march to Islamabad for a sit-in, but authorities have erected roadblocks using shipping containers at entry points to the capital and other locations. Two rounds of talks between PTI and the government failed to break the deadlock. Both the provisions were imposed soon after a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif .
Pakistan on Sunday declared an emergency in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), suspending the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party amid deteriorating law and order and a growing confrontation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government. Earlier reporting noted: Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ruled by ex-PM Imran Khan’s Party, placed under emergency Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , which was ruled by former Prime Minister Imran Khan ‘s party, was placed under emergency and governor’s rule by President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday.