Pakistan’s opposition party is preparing to contest the federal intervention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as authorities report arrests following unrest and ministers defend the move on security grounds.
ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to challenge emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following clashes between its supporters and police on Tuesday, 13 October.
The confrontation follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s decision on 11 October to suspend the PTI-led provincial government. Federal authorities cited worsening militant violence in the northwestern province, which borders Afghanistan. PTI rejects that justification and opposes the intervention.
Arrests follow unrest in Bara
A report published on 14 October said police had arrested more than 50 people in Bara, in Khyber district, over their alleged involvement in violent incidents. Citing police sources, the broadcaster reported that four cases had been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Police said their operation would continue until those allegedly involved had been apprehended. They also rejected reports that a police officer had been abducted and said the situation was under control.
Accounts of the police response remain disputed. PTI officials told Reuters that officers had used tear gas and live ammunition against supporters during Tuesday’s clashes.
Samar Haroon Bilour, who handles information for the provincial administration, rejected allegations of live firing. In a response to Reuters, she said police had responded to rioting and vandalism, and alleged that anonymous social media accounts had circulated AI-generated footage.
PTI prepares a legal response
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar said on 13 October that the party intended to file a petition in the Peshawar High Court challenging the emergency and governor’s rule, according to ARY News.
Gohar described the intervention as unconstitutional and said the party would continue its legal and constitutional struggle. The announcement follows the party’s rejection of the federal government’s decision to suspend its provincial administration.
Federal government defends intervention
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the decision at a briefing on 13 October, saying the measures had been imposed under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution, Geo News reported.
He cited an increase in terrorism incidents and said the decision followed consideration of security reports. He rejected the suggestion that the intervention was politically motivated.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the federal government had sought an agreed counterterrorism strategy with the provincial leadership. He alleged that the chief minister had rejected an arrangement reached during negotiations.
PTI disputes the government’s account. Sky News reported that the party accused federal authorities of failing to provide the funding and equipment needed to tackle militancy.
Khan’s release remains a central demand
The intervention comes against the backdrop of PTI’s campaign calling for Khan’s release. The former prime minister has been jailed since 2023 over cases that he and his party describe as politically motivated.
A governor and advisory council have taken over the province’s administration. Federal officials initially outlined a six-month arrangement for governor’s rule.
