Pakistan suspends Imran Khan followers' provincial government

On October 11, Pakistan declared emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the stronghold of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, amid militant violence and anti-government protests. The move was announced by the President's office, following the unrest led by Khan's supporters and militant activity in the northwest. Khan's supporters have been marching in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to demand his release and express criticism over the government's economic policies.

Moments after the announcement, PTI lawmaker Junaid Akbar claimed on X that the province's Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the Provincial President were arrested. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, denounced the emergency declaration, calling it a "grave political mistake" and an "undemocratic measure."

The declaration, under two articles of Pakistan's constitution related to security, empowers the federal government with extensive administrative powers over the province. President Asif Ali Zardari signed the order after recommendations from the cabinet regarding the security situation and the failure of negotiations with provincial government delegations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also criticized the decision, stating it was due to the "deteriorating law and order situation" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government's "deliberate indifference in the war against terrorism." Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a crucial stronghold for Khan's party, will be sidelined under the extraordinary constitutional measures.

Security was heightened in Peshawar, the provincial capital, with large numbers of personnel around the Chief Minister's residence, and mobile networks were reportedly disrupted. Public transport services were suspended, and roads in other cities were closed. Local resident Abdur Rehman expressed concern that imposing an emergency would be seen as "stealing the mandate of our Pashtun people."

Khan, a former cricket star, has been in custody since August 2023, facing multiple charges, including corruption and inciting violence. He and his legal team dispute the allegations, calling them politically motivated. The government attempted to avoid the opposition's show of force but linked negotiations over PTI demands to security measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The demonstrations began a week ago after talks between the government and the party broke down. The PTI is seeking access for Khan's doctors and other demands. Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southern Balochistan have faced increasing militant violence, attributed by Pakistan to insurgent groups linked to Afghanistan. The Taliban denies these claims and accuses Pakistan of violating Afghanistan's sovereignty and causing civilian casualties.

This has led to a tense geopolitical situation between the neighboring countries, with sporadic attacks continuing since a ceasefire was reached in March, without a lasting security solution.