Pakistan Declares Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

On October 11, 2026, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, citing a worsening security situation and breakdown of constitutional governance.

The emergency proclamation, issued under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, allows the federal government to assume executive and legislative powers in the province.

The declaration accused the provincial government of failing to address terrorism and lawlessness, noting an increase in attacks on government facilities and law enforcement.

The move follows ongoing protests led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is demanding the release of Imran Khan and medical treatment for him.

The federal government has barred the protest march from entering Islamabad, citing security concerns, and has not allowed the party to hold a sit-in in the capital.

The Cabinet endorsed the emergency declaration after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who criticized the provincial government for its lack of action against terrorism.

Federal officials said the government explored mediation efforts with the provincial administration, but those failed to resolve the crisis.