ISLAMABAD :In a major political escalation in Pakistan, the federal government has imposed emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
According to reports, the federal cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday morning held an emergency meeting in Islamabad and unanimously recommended invoking *Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution of Pakistan* in KP.
The recommendation was sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. President House later said the President has approved the proclamation citing deteriorating law and order situation and breakdown of constitutional machinery.
*Why Emergency?*
As per the Prime Minister Office, the cabinet was briefed on the worsening security situation in KP. The federal government alleged a *195% surge in terrorist incidents since March 2024* and accused the PTI-led provincial government of "deliberate disengagement from fight against terrorism."
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said there was "no room left" to avoid emergency due to severe law and order decay.
Under the proclamation, the Chief Minister, provincial ministers, advisors and advocate general will immediately vacate their offices and the federal government will assume key executive and legislative powers.
*PTI's Long March:*
The move comes in response to the massive Long March to Islamabad led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi demanding release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and access to medical treatment.
The march, which began on October 4 from Lakki Marwat, was scheduled to reach Swabi Interchange on October 13 before marching towards Islamabad.
PTI Core Committee has rejected the emergency. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the centre to openly announce it and ordered the provincial Chief Secretary and Police Chief to ignore any "unconstitutional orders" from Islamabad.
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is reportedly trying to mediate between the government and PTI to defuse tension.
The political situation in Pakistan remains highly volatile.