The Pakistan parliament approved emergency rule in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, endorsing a presidential decision to suspend the government of the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party. The move came after a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the emergency rule and offered renewed political talks with the opposition.
The approval followed separate endorsements of the emergency proclamation, which was issued by President Arif Alvi. The government of Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was suspended under the emergency order. The decision comes amid ongoing political tensions and protests.
Protesters in the northwest were injured when police opened fire during demonstrations, according to a police official and a PTI member. The PTI accused police of excessive force. The emergency rule grants the governor greater authority in the province, bypassing the suspended provincial government.
The situation follows months of political instability, with Imran Khan imprisoned on corruption charges. His party has been excluded from power, leading to widespread protests and calls for his release. The emergency rule is seen as an attempt to restore order and prevent further unrest.
The government claims the emergency is necessary to maintain stability, but critics argue it undermines democratic processes. The PTI has rejected the move, calling it a power grab. The political crisis continues to affect the country’s governance and public trust in institutions.
