Pakistan president suspends Imran Khan’s party-led provincial government

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has suspended the provincial government led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, declaring a state of emergency and imposing governor’s rule on Sunday (Oct. 11).

The decision follows recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s federal Cabinet, which accused the provincial administration of failing to effectively combat terrorism and maintain law and order.

According to the President’s Office, the emergency measures were approved under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution, effectively stripping the elected provincial government of its administrative powers.

The move places the northwestern province, which borders Afghanistan, under the authority of the federally appointed governor.

The decision comes amid escalating political tensions between the federal government and Khan’s PTI party, whose supporters have been holding protests demanding his release from prison.

PTI supporters have also been preparing for a major march towards Islamabad, increasing pressure on the government.

The federal government defended the emergency measures, citing growing security threats and accusing the provincial administration of failing to cooperate adequately in counterterrorism efforts.

However, PTI strongly condemned the decision, describing it as an attack on democracy and the mandate of the province’s elected government.

Khan’s spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, warned that the decision could lead to further instability and violence.

Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023, remains a central figure in Pakistan’s opposition politics.

The suspension of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government marks a significant escalation in the confrontation between Khan’s party and the federal administration. (Newswire)

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