Police Clash With Imran Khan Supporters In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Peshawar, October 14
Police and supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan clashed in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday, amid growing tensions over the suspension of the provincial government and the imposition of emergency rule.
Dispute Over Emergency Rule
The federal government imposed emergency rule in the province on Sunday and placed it under direct control, saying the move was necessary because of a rise in militant violence.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by Khan, has rejected the explanation and described the decision as an attempt to take political control of a province where it holds power.
Conflicting Accounts
Reuters reported that party officials said police used tear gas and live rounds during clashes with protesters. The provincial administration rejected allegations that police fired live ammunition, calling them baseless and saying claims circulating online included AI-generated footage. The competing accounts underline the difficulty of independently verifying events during a rapidly developing political confrontation.
Also Read: Section 144 imposed in DI Khan until November 11
Political Stakes
The dispute has intensified friction between the federal authorities and PTI, which has repeatedly challenged government actions against the party and its jailed leader. Any prolonged standoff could disrupt administration and heighten uncertainty in the province, which also faces persistent security challenges.
What Happens Next
Pakistan’s parliament was expected to consider resolutions related to the emergency and governor’s rule, according to local media reports. The legal and political status of the provincial administration is likely to remain a central issue as authorities defend the measure and PTI mobilises opposition. Further developments will depend on parliamentary decisions, court challenges and whether protests continue.
