Pakistan President suspends government in province ruled by Imran Khan's party

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, governed by Imran Khan's party, in response to unrest sparked by demands for Khan's release from jail. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had advised the president to take this action following a federal cabinet vote. The decision follows a surge in protests by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, with supporters rallying in recent days and threatening to march on Islamabad.

The emergency was declared in the northwestern province, where the PTI holds power. Zardari's office did not specify how the provincial government would operate under the emergency decree. Khan's aide and PTI spokesman Zulfikar Bukhari denounced the move as "ridiculous" and warned it could lead to more bloodshed and instability.

Khan, a former cricket star who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, is currently jailed on multiple charges, including corruption and treason, which he and his legal team claim are politically motivated. His supporters continue to demand his release, alleging the authorities are targeting Khan despite his continued public support.

The PTI has also criticized the government's economic policies and broader political agenda. The emergency declaration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adds to the tension between Sharif's administration and the PTI, which accuses the government of using legal and political means to weaken the party and keep Khan imprisoned.