Pakistan suspends provincial government led by Khan's party

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 23:24 · Archive

Pakistan's president has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party.

Pakistan's president has declared a state of emergency and suspended the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. The federal government and military say the province has failed to tackle Islamist militancy in the region bordering Afghanistan. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that a provincial governor would take charge and initially remain in place for six months, though could stay longer if needed. Tens of thousands of security forces are being deployed to the province.

The move sharply escalates tensions between Khan's party and the government. It comes a week after PTI supporters gathered in the province intending to march on Islamabad to demand Khan's release. Hundreds of activists and three of Khan's sisters have been detained ahead of the planned march, in what the PTI called one of the strongest crackdowns in years. Khan's 2023 arrest sparked nationwide riots that threatened the military's standing.

The PTI rejects accusations of failing to curb militants and says Islamabad has not provided the funding and equipment it needs. Restrictions have been placed on the movements of Sohail Afridi, who previously led the province. Pakistan's constitution allows the government to take over provincial authorities during an emergency.

How it is being reported

• Pakistan govt accused of 'coup disguised as emergency'Tens of thousands of security forces have been deployed to the Pakistani province ruled by Imran Khan's party, as the government imposes emergency rule.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 22:56
• Pakistan govt accused of 'coup disguised as emergency'Tens of thousands of security forces have been deployed to the Pakistani province ruled by Imran Khan's party, as the government imposes emergency rule.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 22:56

In this story: Imran Khan · Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · Azam Nazeer Tarar · Sohail Afridi · Pakistan · Islamabad · Afghanistan

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem