Pak president declares emergency in KPK, provincial govt ceases to exist

Pakistan on Sunday declared an emergency in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over the deteriorating law and order situation, bringing the provincial government led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party to an end.

An emergency allows Pakistan's federal government to assume key executive and legislative powers in a province during a security crisis or breakdown of constitutional governance.

President Asif Ali Zardari issued a proclamation under Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of the Constitution, citing rising terrorist attacks and a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the northwestern province, according to the presidential declaration.

Under the proclamation, the chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general will immediately vacate their offices.

The move comes amid an ongoing protest march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is pressing for Imran Khan's release and access to medical ...