Pakistan Declares Emergency, Detains Imran Khan Ally Amid Political Crackdown

Pakistan's government announced on Monday the detention of an aide to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, along with several cabinet members, a day after suspending the provincial government. President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, citing the administration's failure to combat Islamist militancy. Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Minister of Law and Justice, stated that a governor would assume control of the province.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party denounced the government's actions, asserting they were designed to prevent Khan's supporters from marching on the capital to demand his release. The detentions occurred on Sunday at the chief minister's residence in Peshawar, where police and paramilitary forces reportedly used shipping containers to seal off the area, according to witnesses and officials. Khan's three sisters and hundreds of his supporters were also taken into custody ahead of the planned march.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, an ally of Khan, and several members of his cabinet were apprehended. Junior Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry confirmed to Reuters, "Yes, I can confirm that the Chief Minister and some of his cabinet members have been taken into preventive custody." The imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of the provincial government have significantly heightened tensions between Khan, a former cricket star aged 74, and Pakistan's influential military.

This development follows a week of rallies by Khan's supporters in the province, who were preparing to march on Islamabad to demand his release and access to medical treatment. Mr. Chaudhry indicated that individuals facing charges would be prosecuted, while others would be released. He reiterated that the detentions took place on Sunday at the provincial chief minister's house in Peshawar, the provincial capital. Khan aide Shaukat Yousafzai called for the immediate release of all detained individuals.

The PTI's last major protest two years ago resulted in violent clashes with security forces. Khan's arrest in 2023 also triggered widespread riots across Pakistan, during which some supporters attacked military installations. Pakistan's constitution empowers the government to take control of a provincial administration during emergencies. The government and PTI had engaged in several rounds of talks since the party announced its intention to march on Islamabad last month. Mr. Chaudhry stated that the government was prepared to meet all of the PTI's demands, including granting permission for the march. "We asked for just one thing, that the party should publicly condemn militancy and join us in the fight against militant groups," he added. The PTI's refusal to meet this condition led to the breakdown of talks.