ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari approved the imposition of an emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the presidency and Reuters, the decision suspended the powers of the province's elected, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led administration.
The federal cabinet had earlier recommended constitutional action under Articles 232 and 234. The federal government cited rising militant attacks, deteriorating law and order and what it described as the provincial administration's failure to respond effectively. Those assessments are the federal government's stated justification and are contested by the provincial ruling party.
Citing the presidential declaration, Pakistan's Jang newspaper reported that the federal government could direct the governor to assume some or all provincial administrative responsibilities. The declaration also called for the chief minister, provincial ministers and other specified officeholders to vacate their positions. Reuters noted that the initial statement did not provide full details of the province's subsequent administrative arrangements.
PTI rejected the decision. According to Reuters, party spokesman Zulfikar Bukhari criticised the move and warned that it could deepen instability. The announcement came amid heightened tensions between the federal and provincial governments and demonstrations demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Further details concerning the implementation of the proclamation and any legal challenge will be added when officially confirmed.