Pakistan suspended the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and declared a state of emergency on Sunday, escalating a political standoff with Imran Khan’s party over rising militant attacks.

President Asif Ali Zardari announced the emergency on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after a cabinet meeting. Federal officials stated that provincial authorities failed to control Islamist militants along the Afghan border. Sharif told the cabinet that security forces and civilians had faced attacks for two years. “We can’t just act as a silent spectator,” he said.

The decision triggered immediate backlash from the ruling opposition. Khan’s aide and PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari called the move “more of a coup disguised as emergency,” warning it would fuel instability. The party also condemned the detention of hundreds of activists and Khan’s three sisters ahead of a planned march on Islamabad. PTI leaders labeled the arrests one of the strongest crackdowns in years.

Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that a federally appointed governor will take charge initially for six months, though the role could extend if necessary. The interior ministry plans to deploy troops to the region. Federal and military officials accuse the PTI of failing to curb militants, charges the party denies and attributes to a lack of equipment and funding.

Tensions have intensified since the 2024 election, where PTI-backed candidates won the most seats but only secured power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Supporters of the 74-year-old former prime minister claim the military manipulated the vote, a claim the military denies. Khan faces multiple legal cases involving state gifts, instigating violence, and unlawful marriage; all but one conviction are currently suspended or under appeal. Islamabad has also accused Afghanistan of harboring militants and the PTI of sympathizing with the Taliban, allegations both sides reject.