Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Violence has escalated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency. This alarming situation culminated in an attack on the Governor’s House, which was set ablaze amid rising political tensions and deteriorating security conditions in the region.
Videos circulating on social media depict the Governor’s House engulfed in flames, while other footage shows police engaging in gunfire across various cities in the province. The fire incident has heightened concerns regarding the declining law and order situation. However, details about the extent of the damage and any casualties remain unclear.
Reports indicate that large crowds took to the streets on Sunday to protest against the state of emergency. This declaration has resulted in the suspension of the provincial government led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is headed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.
According to the Express Tribune, significant police actions occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, disrupting a planned PTI march in Islamabad. Police arrested 59 PTI activists in Swabi and six in the Khyber district. Additionally, former Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI’s provincial president Junaid Akbar were taken into custody.
Security forces have been deployed at major intersections and highways throughout the province, while mobile phone and PTCL internet services were suspended in Swabi. In a separate incident, former Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur reported being placed under house arrest at his residence in Dera Ismail Khan.
Opposition parties have vehemently opposed the federal government’s decision to impose governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, labeling it an attack on democracy. They have vowed to challenge this decision on legal and public platforms.
The PTI issued a statement warning that the government’s actions set a “dangerous precedent.” They accused the authorities of politically persecuting the province’s elected leadership. The party called for the immediate release of Sohail Afridi and Junaid Akbar, demanding that the government disclose the legal basis and specific charges behind their arrests.
The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has also expressed its opposition to the imposition of governor’s rule, asserting that the PTI will continue its protests as planned.
Tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain high as the situation develops.
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