Pakistan Declares State of Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amid Protests for Imran Khan's Release

Pakistan's President has suspended the government in a province ruled by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party, declaring a state of emergency following unrest fuelled by a growing clamour for his release. Asif Ali Zardari followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advice to declare the emergency following a federal cabinet decision, his office stated.

The decision comes as Mr Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party steps up its campaign to secure his release, with supporters rallying for several days and threatening to march on the capital Islamabad. The emergency was declared in north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is governed by the PTI. The advisory submitted by Mr Sharif indicated that the provincial government had failed to tackle Islamist militancy, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.

Pakistan's constitution allows the federal government to take over some or all provincial government functions during a state of emergency. However, the presidential office did not specify how the province would be administered following Sunday's decision. Zulfikar Bukhari, a close aide to Mr Khan and PTI spokesman, condemned the move as a “ridiculous decision” and stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the country's “only legitimately elected government”. “This will only lead to further bloodshed, instability and collateral damage,” Mr Bukhari said, adding that while there had always been room for talks, the decision showed negotiations were never the government's intention.

This escalation in tension follows accusations by the PTI that Mr Sharif's government is utilizing legal and political measures to weaken the party and keep its leader behind bars. Mr Khan, a former cricket star who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned since August 2023, facing numerous charges ranging from corruption to treason following anti-establishment riots that year. Both Mr Khan and his legal team reject the allegations as politically motivated, a claim the government denies.

The latest mobilization also highlights growing concern over Mr Khan's health, as his family and supporters warn that his condition has deteriorated in prison and his lawyers report he has lost significant vision in his right eye. Previously, Mr Sharif urged the PTI to abandon its planned march on Islamabad and return to negotiations, warning that demonstrations could harm the economy while vowing to maintain law and order.