Pakistan's president suspends provincial government
Summary
Pakistan’s president has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and suspended the provincial government ahead of a planned march on Islamabad by supporters demanding Imran Khan’s release. The move has deepened tensions between Khan’s party and the federal government as police detain supporters and security forces are deployed across key areas.
Key Points
- President Asif Ali Zardari declared a state of emergency in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and placed the province under the authority of the governor.
- The action came on the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Cabinet, which accused the provincial government of disengagement from the fight against terrorism.
- Supporters of Imran Khan’s PTI were preparing to march on Islamabad, while police detained several activists and deployed extra security.
- PTI and the federal government have held talks over Khan’s release and related demands, but negotiations remain deadlocked.
