Government Seizes Control in Imran Khan’s Stronghold Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Concerns Over Potential Backlash
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Schools were closed. The internet was partially shut down. Cargo containers blocked roads. The army entered the city.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), traditionally a stronghold of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), such scenes have unfolded. A state of emergency was declared and the provincial government led by PTI was suspended.
This marks another dramatic turn in the ongoing confrontation between Khan’s supporters and the federal government, raising fears it may increase instability rather than contain it.
The federal government stated this constitutional move was necessary to protect provincial citizens from terrorist threats.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar alleged to journalists on Sunday, “The PTI government in KP has colluded with terrorists.”
However, Tarar did not provide concrete evidence or detailed allegations and promised to share information soon. Two days later, no such details have emerged.
The police have not confirmed any arrests. Strict action has been taken to suppress protests. Most PTI leaders in the province have gone into hiding.
On Tuesday, in Bara district of Khyber—the home district of the provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi—PTI supporters took to the streets, where reports of tear gas use surfaced.
Why the Additional Crackdown on the “Powerful”?
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For many observers, the state of emergency declared on Sunday was no coincidence.
Thousands of Imran Khan’s supporters have been protesting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past week, demanding his release. The province has been under PTI control for 13 years.
In this context, “The government’s federal approach appears deceptive,” says Farzana Sheikh, a Chatham House associate fellow.
Journalist and analyst Arifa Noor also contends that the recent measures are not linked to terrorism.
“I am not convinced this was done because of [Khan supporters’] ‘long march’,” she says. “This might be a final blow, or a tactic to keep the opposition under pressure and maintain government stability.”
The protests were led by Chief Minister Afridi, whose current whereabouts are unknown.
PTI claims he has been detained; the government states he is under protective custody.
Crackdown began even before the protests started. Three of Khan’s sisters were arrested in September and remain in custody.
Last year, Khan’s family and lawyers had rare visit access to him. Reports indicated two sisters visited in August: one in jail, another after the Supreme Court ordered a medical checkup due to Khan’s health concerns.
He has since been returned to prison, where he has been held for three years.
Khan is believed to have lost power due to a fallout with Pakistan’s powerful military. He has been incarcerated since August 2023.
Khan has been found guilty in multiple corruption cases, which he claims are politically motivated.
Why take such a tough stance when the party seems increasingly weakened?
“As concerns about Imran Khan’s health grow, PTI activists are restless,” says Michael Kugelman, South Asia director at the Atlantic Council. “This seems a warning to the party and an effort to pressure the government.”
Power Balance Favors Military Establishment?
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Previously, the government accused Khan of violating jail rules by conducting political meetings behind bars.
Information Minister Tarar stated that the state of emergency was a non-political move, “They could have continued their march.”
He indicated attempts to initiate dialogue between the two sides.
Others, however, view it as another effort to clamp down on Khan and his party.
“There is little room for dissent or opposition, and the government does not want to use dialogue to ease tensions,” Noor says.
Islamabad-based writer and defense analyst Zahid Hussain notes that the decision clearly shows military influence.
He says, “The power balance has shifted towards the military.”
Chatham House fellow Sheikh adds, “The military has confidence due to its strong relationship with the American White House and its role in Middle East peace talks.”
She stresses the situation is being kept under control to avoid escalation and believes the challenge will be met internationally.
Yet Pakistan faces numerous challenges. Extremism is rising. The Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranks Pakistan among the most affected countries.
Tensions persist with neighbor Afghanistan, marked by repeated airstrikes and accusations of harboring extremists by the Taliban, which they deny.
The border dispute with India has also reignited.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has pledged support to Saudi Arabia as conflict intensifies against Houthi rebels.
Some warn that this state of emergency might create more challenges rather than solve existing problems.
What Gives Rise to a Worsening Situation?
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This move carries a risk of increasing political instability, as Islamabad is assuming direct responsibility over a province without a mediating mechanism.
“I believe this could backfire,” Kugelman says. “It’s like playing with fire—if this action inflames public anger, major problems could arise.”
Zahid Hussain sees another serious risk. “Given the country’s circumstances, this is an irresponsible step,” he says.
Farzana Sheikh compares this risk to escalating military intervention.
“If the military is deployed, casualties must be accepted,” she explains.
Until then, questions may emerge within the military establishment.
Pakistan has historically experienced military coups and removal of provincial or national governments, often resulting in negative outcomes.
Senior leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz acknowledge some issues may cause future problems but concede that this is a huge crisis that can’t be stopped,” says Arifa Noor.
Khan’s party also recognizes that he cannot be removed through protest demonstrations.
“This is the most tragic aspect—we are moving forward fully aware and not with eyes closed,” she says. “It’s like a train wreck that is impossible to stop.”
