Emergency / Pakistan Imposes Emergency Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amid Anti-Government Protests and Militant Violence
·2 hours ago·3 min read
Key Points
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Chennai to attend programmes, including the inauguration of the Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro corridor, built at approximately Rs 4,900 crore.
Islamabad, Oct 11: Pakistan has imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a stronghold of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, following anti-government protests and rising militant violence in the northwestern province.
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the order on Sunday after recommendations from the federal government, his office said. The move came as thousands of supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued their march demanding his release.
The emergency, invoked under constitutional provisions dealing with security, gives the federal government sweeping powers over the province and sidelines the PTI-led provincial administration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the decision followed a deteriorating law and order situation and accused the provincial government of failing to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. The president’s office also cited the failure of negotiations with government delegations.
President Asif Ali Zardari signed the order on Sunday after recommendations from the federal government, his office said. The move came as thousands of supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued their march demanding his release.
The emergency, invoked under constitutional provisions dealing with security, gives the federal government sweeping powers over the province and sidelines the PTI-led provincial administration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the decision followed a deteriorating law and order situation and accused the provincial government of failing to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. The president’s office also cited the failure of negotiations with government delegations.
📱 Get Argus News App
✨📰 60 Word News🎬 Argus Podcast📺 Live TV and Breaking News🔔 Free Notification Alerts
Download Free:
PTI Calls Move Undemocratic
PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan condemned the emergency, describing it as an “extremely alarming and grave political mistake and an undemocratic measure”.
“The people will never accept such actions against their rights,” he said in a post on X.
The emergency follows a week of demonstrations by PTI supporters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The march began after negotiations between the party and the federal government failed to resolve their differences.
Security was tightened in the provincial capital, Peshawar, on Sunday, while roads in several parts of the province remained closed.
Imran Khan’s Release At Centre Of Protests
Khan, a former cricket star, has been in prison since August 2023 and faces multiple cases, including charges related to corruption and inciting violence. He and his party reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated attempts to weaken his support.
The PTI has been demanding his release, while the federal government has sought to prevent the protests from escalating. Negotiations reportedly stalled over the party’s demands and disagreements about security measures in the province.
PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan condemned the emergency, describing it as an “extremely alarming and grave political mistake and an undemocratic measure”.
“The people will never accept such actions against their rights,” he said in a post on X.
The emergency follows a week of demonstrations by PTI supporters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The march began after negotiations between the party and the federal government failed to resolve their differences.
Security was tightened in the provincial capital, Peshawar, on Sunday, while roads in several parts of the province remained closed.
Imran Khan’s Release At Centre Of Protests
Khan, a former cricket star, has been in prison since August 2023 and faces multiple cases, including charges related to corruption and inciting violence. He and his party reject the allegations, describing them as politically motivated attempts to weaken his support.
The PTI has been demanding his release, while the federal government has sought to prevent the protests from escalating. Negotiations reportedly stalled over the party’s demands and disagreements about security measures in the province.
Also Read: India Condemns Riyadh Airport Attack, Terms it “Unacceptable”
Militancy Adds To Security Concerns
The political standoff comes amid renewed militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighbouring Balochistan.
Pakistan has blamed attacks in the region on militants operating from Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul denies the allegations and has accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty and killing civilians.
The dispute has strained relations between the neighbouring countries and led to armed clashes. Fighting escalated in February, followed by a truce in March, but attacks have continued amid the absence of a lasting security agreement.
The imposition of emergency rule adds another layer of tension to Pakistan’s political crisis as Khan’s supporters continue to demand his release.
Militancy Adds To Security Concerns
The political standoff comes amid renewed militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighbouring Balochistan.
Pakistan has blamed attacks in the region on militants operating from Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul denies the allegations and has accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty and killing civilians.
The dispute has strained relations between the neighbouring countries and led to armed clashes. Fighting escalated in February, followed by a truce in March, but attacks have continued amid the absence of a lasting security agreement.
The imposition of emergency rule adds another layer of tension to Pakistan’s political crisis as Khan’s supporters continue to demand his release.
Related Topics
Explore more stories