Pakistan imposes emergency, governor’s rule in PTI-governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s federal government has imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following approval by President Asif Ali Zardari, escalating tensions with the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dawn newspaper reported on Sunday.
The measures were approved under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution after an emergency federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to the President’s House and the Prime Minister’s Office.
The federal government cited security concerns and accused the provincial administration of failing to cooperate in counterterrorism efforts. The PTI has rejected the move, describing it as an assault on the public mandate and provincial autonomy.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan warned that the decision could deepen political instability and public unrest. The party is considering legal challenges, parliamentary boycotts and peaceful protests, Dawn reported.
Meanwhile, provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan claimed that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been taken into custody. Dawn said it had contacted police for comment, but no confirmation was provided in the report.
The federal government also appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief secretary.
The decision risks intensifying confrontation in a province that is a major PTI stronghold, potentially triggering further protests and widening political divisions across Pakistan.
