Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency on Sunday (11 October), suspending the provincial government led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party. The move follows allegations by the federal government that the province has failed to control Islamist militancy.

Pakistan’s Constitution allows the federal government to take over some or all provincial government functions during an emergency. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said a provincial governor would take charge with an advisory council. The arrangement will initially remain in place for six months.

The Interior Ministry said it would deploy troops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a northwestern province bordering Afghanistan that has witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent months.

"The situation is so grave that you ​wouldn't see any residents coming out of their houses after evening in some of the districts," said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The federal government and military have accused Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of failing to curb militancy. The party has rejected the allegations, arguing that Islamabad has not provided the funds and equipment needed to tackle the threat.

Pakistan has also accused neighbouring Afghanistan of harbouring Islamist militants responsible for attacks inside the country. Islamabad claims Khan’s party has sympathised with the Taliban government in Kabul and its affiliates in Pakistan. Both the Afghan Taliban and PTI have denied the allegations.

Zardari declared the emergency on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following a federal cabinet decision. Addressing the Cabinet, Sharif said security forces and civilians had faced attacks for the past two years.

"We can't just act as a silent spectator."

The decision comes amid growing political tensions. Khan’s party has held rallies for several days, demanding his release and threatening to march on Islamabad in the coming days.

Khan’s supporters allege that the military rigged the 2024 election against the former cricket star, now 74. The military denies the charge.

"This is more of a coup disguised as an emergency," said Zulfikar Bukhari, Khan’s aide and PTI spokesperson. He warned that the move could trigger further bloodshed and instability.

Authorities detained three of Khan’s sisters and hundreds of party activists ahead of the planned march. A close aide to Khan said authorities had also restricted the movements of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who belongs to PTI.

Officials said the government had blocked major highways with shipping containers and deployed tens of thousands of security personnel to prevent protesters from reaching Parliament in Islamabad. PTI’s last major protest, held two years ago, ended in deadly clashes with security forces.

Khan’s arrest in 2023 triggered nationwide riots that threatened the Pakistani military’s standing. His legal cases have included allegations involving state gifts, inciting violence and an unlawful marriage. All but one of his convictions have since been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. Khan denies wrongdoing.

The latest protests come amid widespread public anger over inflation and rising fuel prices, extending beyond Khan’s core supporters.