Pakistan suspends Imran Khan’s party-led provincial government

President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, suspending the government led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party. The action came as Khan's supporters prepared to march on Islamabad, demanding his release following his imprisonment since 2023 on corruption charges they claim are politically motivated.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office had recommended emergency rule, accusing the provincial government of "deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism." The government accused the KP government of neglecting counterterrorism efforts while prioritizing Khan's release, citing increased militant violence and poor coordination between Islamabad and the province.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that militant attacks in the region had risen by 196% in recent years. In response, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced an 11-member advisory council to manage provincial affairs under the governor's authority. No protests were reported following the suspension of the government, but authorities deployed additional security forces and blocked major routes in Islamabad to prevent unrest.

Khan's party dismissed the emergency rule, calling it a "disguised coup" and accusing the federal government of lacking intent to reach an agreement. The party's spokesperson, Zulfiquar Bukhari, criticized the talks between Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and the federal government, stating that officials were more focused on counterterrorism than discussing the imprisoned leader's rights.

Despite the suspension, the party's chief minister had called for supporters to prepare for a march on Islamabad, urging them to prepare for potential crackdowns by police.