Pakistan President declares emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial government ceases to exist
The Pakistani government has declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, effectively dissolving the provincial government led by Imran Khan's party. The move follows rising terrorist activity and ongoing protests demanding the former prime minister's release.
Why it matters
This constitutional crisis marks a significant escalation in the political instability currently gripping Pakistan.
Pakistan on Sunday (October 11, 2026) declared an emergency in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the deteriorating law and order situation, bringing the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party to an end.
An emergency allows Pakistan's federal government to assume key executive and legislative powers in a province during a security crisis or breakdown of constitutional governance.
President Asif Ali Zardari issued a proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, citing rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the northwestern province, according to the presidential declaration. Under the proclamation, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general will immediately vacate their offices.
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