Pakistan Takes Control of Khan Party’s Stronghold Province

Shipping containers blocked key roads as police tightened security in Peshawar and around Pakistan’s capital. President Asif Ali Zardari then approved emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the province’s PTI-led government and placing it under federal control. The takeover came as supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan marched to demand his release, adding a sharp political turn to an already tense day. ^2,5

Zardari acted on a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet, which accused the provincial government of failing to join the fight against terrorism. The order relies on Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution. The federal government says these rules allow it to step in during serious unrest or a breakdown in provincial government. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi now represents federal authority there. Khan’s PTI, founded by the former cricketer and prime minister, governs the province and is one of Pakistan’s major parties. ^1,7

Federal officials point to militant attacks and say poor coordination with the province has hindered security work. One report put the increase in terrorism at 196%, while another cited a 195% rise over a different period, so the figures are not directly consistent. PTI leaders call the takeover undemocratic and a “disguised coup,” arguing their government had popular support. Their dispute with Islamabad also centers on talks that broke down over security policy and Khan’s release. ^2,3,10

The change removes PTI from its last provincial stronghold and gives federal officials control over the province’s affairs while the march unfolds. Police have detained PTI supporters, and authorities have added security and roadblocks; one local report says mobile data was restricted in selected areas. Under the account provided, the order needs approval from both houses of Parliament, or it expires after two months. ^1,2,13