Stories
Imran Khan-Phobia: How Pakistan's Hybrid Regime Dissolved KP Government
- •President Asif Ali Zardari approved the dissolution of the provincial government and imposed emergency governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 11 October.
- •The official pretext for the dismissal was the provincial government's failure to address terrorism, though critics view it as a move against the only PTI-led administration.
- •Tensions escalated after the PML-N-led federal government allegedly defied a Supreme Court order to transfer jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan to a private hospital.
- •Military leadership and interior ministry officials warned against protests, reflecting concerns over the hybrid regime and civil authoritarianism.
- •Analysts warn that neutralizing political opposition in KP could backfire and worsen security challenges amid rising violence in regions like Balochistan.
Key Questions Answered
Following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari, emergency governor's rule was imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, 2026, under the pretext of the provincial government's failure and non-cooperation in addressing terrorism. This move dissolved the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government and terminated the offices of the chief minister and provincial ministers.
Following the emergency proclamation, the federal government authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and resources under Article 245 to maintain law and order. Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed an 11-member committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to monitor governance and security affairs in the province on a daily basis.
Although the Supreme Court upheld the PTI's request and ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved to a private hospital due to deteriorating health, the PML-N-led government defied the ruling. Authorities instead treated him at a government facility under the pretext that all prisoners are entitled to equal treatment.
