Why Did Pakistan Impose Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Shehbaz Sharif Reveals the Reason

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has defended the decision to impose emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He said that the centre had to take this step due to lack of expected cooperation from the provincial government in action against terrorism. According to Pakistani media reports, Sharif accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of not ending the political conflict despite several attempts at talks. At the same time, Imran Khan's party has called this decision of the Centre an attack on democratic rights.

What reason did Shahbaz Sharif give for imposing the governor's rule?

According to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, better coordination between the central and provincial governments was necessary to deal with terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They allege that the provincial government did not cooperate adequately in this direction. For this reason, the Central Government had to take the decision to impose emergency and Governor's rule.

Sharif described the move as a reluctant decision. He says that the aim of the government is to improve the security system and curb terrorist activities. However, PTI has rejected the Centre's allegations and accused the federal government of interfering in provincial autonomy.

What happened during the 48-hour conversation with PTI?

Shahbaz Sharif claimed that the central government had held continuous talks with PTI for 48 hours to resolve the dispute. According to him, a draft was also prepared during the talks, under which the opposition party was to withdraw its long march in Islamabad.

The Prime Minister said that despite efforts for dialogue, political tension did not subside. He raised questions on the strategy of PTI's protests and march. This controversy escalated at a time when PTI was preparing to protest demanding the release of its jailed leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

When and how was emergency imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari approved the declaration of emergency and Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 11 October 2026 on the advice of the Prime Minister. This step was taken under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.

After this decision, the functioning of the PTI-led elected provincial government was suspended and administrative responsibilities were handed over to the Governor and the Advisory Council. The government had informed that the system will be implemented for the initial six months. The federal government justified this by linking it to the deteriorating security situation and perceived non-cooperation in counter-terrorism operations.

How did PTI react to the Centre's decision?

Imran Khan's party PTI has opposed the decision of emergency and governor's rule. The party says that this move has harmed the democratic rights and autonomy of the provincial government. PTI has challenged this decision in the court and demanded restoration of the elected government.

The party also alleges that the central government is creating political pressure by holding the provincial leadership responsible for security-related problems. On the other hand, the federal government says that constitutional steps were necessary to deal with terrorism and maintain law and order. Political and legal confrontation continues between the two sides on this issue.

What increased political tension in Pakistan after this decision?

Tension has increased between the centre and the opposition in Pakistan after the implementation of Governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The impact of this decision is not limited to administration only, but it has also intensified the debate regarding provincial autonomy, security system and democratic rights.

The central government is calling action against terrorism as its priority, while PTI is considering it as political interference. In such a situation, the further situation will depend on the ongoing proceedings in the courts, the role of Parliament and the talks between the two parties. At present, there are no clear signs of resolution of this dispute.