Pakistan Invokes Emergency Powers in Province Ruled by Imran Khan’s Party
What Happened
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government run by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The federal government said the move was necessary due to the province's alleged failure to tackle rising militancy and deteriorating law and order. Under the emergency, key provincial powers will shift to the federal government, with the governor expected to administer the province with an advisory council.
Key Takeaways
The decision marks a major escalation in the standoff between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government and the PTI, which has been mobilising supporters to demand Imran Khan's release. PTI has condemned the move as undemocratic and warned it could deepen political instability.