Pakistan suspends Imran Khan's provincial government as jailed ex-PM's health deteriorates

LAHORE — Pakistan's suspension of the provincial government in Punjab represents a significant setback for Imran Khan, whose political influence has eroded sharply since his arrest amid a series of legal challenges and investigations.

The state of emergency declaration in the province, where Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party maintains its strongest support base, removes a key source of political leverage for the former cricket star turned politician. The move compounds difficulties facing Khan as he navigates multiple cases in Pakistan's judicial system.

Family members and associates of the jailed ex-premier have expressed growing concerns about his physical condition while in custody. The deterioration in his health comes as Khan has been denied bail in several high-profile cases, limiting his ability to manage party affairs from outside detention.

Khan's trajectory from sweeping election victory in 2018 to his removal from office in April 2022 has seen a dramatic reversal of fortune. The suspension of Punjab's administration further weakens the institutional support available to the PTI leader during what his supporters characterise as a period of political persecution.

Observers say the compound pressures on Khan reflect deeper divisions within Pakistan's political establishment, with the former prime minister's detention remaining controversial among his substantial voter base, particularly in Punjab.