Pakistan imposes emergency rule in northern province after protests

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan has been placed under emergency rule by the government after weeks of anti-government demonstrations led by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to the president's office. The move, invoked under two articles of the constitution related to security, grants the federal government extensive administrative powers over the province.

The unrest stems from Khan's ongoing detention and multiple charges, including corruption and treason, following violent protests in May 2023. Khan and his legal team claim the charges are politically motivated. The government, however, has blamed the situation on militant violence originating from Afghanistan, specifically the Taliban regime.

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the emergency order after consultations with security officials and after negotiations with government delegations failed, his office stated. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also cited the deteriorating law and order situation and the government's alleged indifference in the war against terrorism as reasons for the decision.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a stronghold of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, will be significantly impacted by the emergency measures. PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan denounced the action as a "grave political mistake and undemocratic measure," asserting that the people will not tolerate such infringements on their rights. Security forces have increased their presence in Peshawar and other cities across the province, with roads remaining closed in several areas.