A state of emergency and governor’s rule were announced by the central government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, 2026, as a consequence of which the provincial government headed by ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) became suspended. According to the federal government, such a decision is justified due to deteriorating security situation and growing militant violence in the northwestern Pakistani province near Afghanistan.
The first reason that could be put forward by the federal authorities relates to lack of proper assistance on the part of the provincial administration in counter-terrorism operations. In particular, the federal authorities claimed that the number of attacks grew significantly and the coordination with the security agencies conducted badly. Provincial government and PTI refuted the allegations raised by the government.
The decision was made according to the provisions of Article 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan that deal with emergency powers and constitutional working of the provincial government. In accordance with this decision, powers held by the chief minister, provincial cabinet and advisors passed to the governor. An advisory council consisting of eleven members was created in order to help in administration of the province.
However, the development has also made Pakistan’s political situation more tense. Leaders of the PTI have labeled the move as politically motivated because it poses a threat to provincial autonomy and the democratic mandate of the elected government. This was happening during the protests against the arrest of the former Prime Minister who was demanding his freedom from prison and there were differences between the two over security operations.
This means that the state of emergency has brought about not only security but political problems in Pakistan. While the federal government claims that the intervention is necessary for improving law and order, PTI has promised to fight back against the interventions. It will all depend on how the next weeks will develop.
