KP chief minister and cabinet placed in preventive custody after federal emergency
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi and several cabinet members were taken into preventive custody following the federal government's imposition of emergency rule in the province.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s federal authorities declared emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the PTI-led provincial government's alleged inaction on counter-terrorism. In the wake of this decision, chief minister Sohail Afridi, MP Junaid Akbar, assembly speaker Babar Saleem Swati and other cabinet members were placed in preventive custody, according to senior officials. Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry confirmed the detentions and indicated that individuals facing charges will be prosecuted, while the rest may be freed.
Opposition figures, including PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram, condemned the actions as a politically motivated attempt to weaken the elected provincial government. The whereabouts of Afridi remained unclear to his party, and sources said he was under house arrest pursuant to the Maintenance of Public Order regulations.
Why it matters
The detention of KP's chief minister signals a major federal intervention in provincial politics, raising concerns about democratic governance and political stability.
How this story developed
- Oct 2 Government and PTI opposition pause talks as Oct 4 march looms over Islamabad
- Oct 3 PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari claimed the centre was ready to declare emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but urged a political solution to terrorism.
- Oct 4 The march progressed to Karak district while government‑opposition talks remained ongoing.
- Oct 9 The march entered its fifth day, with the convoy moving through Mattani and planning further stops.
- Oct 11 Federal cabinet met to weigh emergency rule for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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