Pakistan suspends Khan ally government in emergency move
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Pakistan on Sunday imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with President Asif Ali Zardari approving the suspension of the provincial government linked to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan after a federal cabinet recommendation over security concerns. The move places the province under the governor with federal backing as Islamabad says militant violence has worsened and constitutional provisions allow the centre to assume some provincial functions during an emergency.
Key Points
- Zardari approved emergency measures and governor's rule on Sunday on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the federal cabinet reviewed the province's security situation.
- The President's House said the decision was signed under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan's Constitution, enabling emergency proclamation and federal assumption of certain provincial functions.
- Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the provincial governor would run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with an advisory council, with the arrangement initially set for six months.
- Pakistan's interior ministry said troops would be deployed in the northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent months.
- The federal government and military accused Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of failing to curb militants, while the party rejected the charge and blamed Islamabad for inadequate funding and equipment.
Why It Matters
The decision deepens Pakistan's confrontation with Khan's camp at a time when his party has been rallying for his release and threatening to march on Islamabad, raising the risk of further political instability. For Hong Kong readers and businesses watching South Asian security conditions, the combination of troop deployment, emergency powers and cross-border accusations involving Afghanistan points to a more volatile operating environment in Pakistan.