Pakistan declares emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removes provincial government

Pakistan declared an emergency in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, October 11, 2026, ending the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party.

What Happened

President Asif Ali Zardari issued the proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution due to rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery. Under the order, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general must immediately vacate their offices. The move follows an ongoing protest march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, which began in Lakki Marwat on October 4 to press for Imran Khan's release and medical treatment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a special cabinet meeting on Sunday where ministers endorsed the emergency proposal, stating the province had failed to fight terrorism despite receiving at least PKR 800 billion over the past 10 years.

What's Next

With the provincial assembly's powers now transferred to Parliament, the federal government may direct the provincial governor to assume executive functions. Meanwhile, Imran Khan remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi facing more than 100 cases since 2023, while his party continues its standoff with federal authorities over protest access to Islamabad.

Context

Federal emergency provisions in Pakistan allow the central government to bypass provincial authorities during severe security crises or governance breakdowns. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shares a long, volatile border with Afghanistan and has frequently faced militant violence and security challenges.