Pakistan Declares Emergency Rule in Province Led by Imran Khan's Party

Pakistan's federal government has moved to assume direct control of a province administered by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its coalition partners, according to an announcement from the Prime Minister's office. Officials attributed the extraordinary measure to what they characterized as the provincial government's "deliberate disengagement from the fight against terrorism." The decision, approved at the cabinet level, represents a significant intervention in provincial governance and reflects deepening friction between Islamabad's federal administration and the PTI-led provincial leadership. The province has faced persistent security challenges, including militant activity in border regions. By assuming direct administrative control, federal authorities signal their intention to take command of counterterrorism operations and related security matters within the province. The move comes amid broader political tensions between the national government and the PTI, which has positioned itself as an opposition force to the current federal administration. Provincial officials are expected to respond to the emergency declaration in coming days, with potential legal and constitutional challenges likely. The imposition of emergency rule typically grants the federal government expanded powers over provincial administration, budget allocation, and security operations.