Islamabad, October 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Protests erupted in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday following reports that the federal government had moved to impose emergency rule in the province, where the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is in power.
Demonstrators took to the streets in Bara market, opposing the reported federal intervention and warning against any move to suspend the elected provincial government. According to Afghanistan-based Tolo News, protesters said they would not accept the imposition of Governor’s Rule or a state of emergency in the province.
The developments came hours after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi warned that any attempt to impose Governor’s Rule, declare an emergency or disregard the electorate’s mandate would invite a strong public reaction.
Afridi had also said that, if such action were taken, protesters would march towards Peshawar rather than Swabi.
Zardari Approves Emergency Measure
According to a report by Khaama Press, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency measure by signing a recommendation from the federal government following a cabinet decision and advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The reported move comes amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI, which has been organising demonstrations demanding Khan’s release and has threatened further protests, including a march towards Islamabad.
Khan has remained in prison since 2023 and continues to be a central figure in Pakistan’s political opposition.
The PTI has condemned the reported suspension of its provincial government, describing the federal intervention as an attack on its electoral mandate and democratic governance.
Former US Envoy Warns of Further Instability
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, warned that the developments could deepen Pakistan’s existing political crisis and create another source of instability.
In a post on X, Khalilzad said the suspension of the elected provincial government and the imposition of federal emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could contribute to further unrest and violence.
The reported emergency measure has intensified tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration, with protests highlighting opposition to federal intervention and concerns over the future of the province’s elected government.
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