Pakistan suspends Khan ally’s province under emergency rule
Why it matters: The move deepens a standoff with Imran Khan’s party after marches demanding his release.
Pakistan imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province governed by the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, suspending the provincial government as security forces locked down parts of the region. BBC reported roads were blocked, some internet service was cut and schools were briefly closed after the federal government invoked constitutional powers it said were needed to protect residents from terrorism. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, which has ruled the province for 13 years, has been leading marches demanding his release. Provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s whereabouts remained unclear, with the party saying he was arrested and the government saying he was in protective custody.