Internet Disruptions, Political Detentions Follow Emergency In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Amnesty International has raised concerns over reported detentions, including that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and internet disruptions after Pakistan imposed emergency rule and suspended the provincial government led by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The federal government announced the measures on Sunday, triggering political opposition and concerns over human rights and democratic governance.

Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for South Asia, questioned whether the emergency measures were necessary and proportionate. He warned that authorities must not use emergency powers to suppress dissent, violate human rights or concentrate power.

Pant also cautioned that deploying armed forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could further militarise the province and increase the risk of unlawful force.

Citing concerns over enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions during previous counterterrorism operations, he urged authorities not to assign routine policing duties to military personnel.

He called for independent oversight of emergency measures and urged the government to ensure that all actions remained necessary, proportionate and consistent with international human rights standards.

Local media reported the detention of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and cabinet members. Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said authorities would pursue pending cases against them.

Reports said protesters set fire to the Governor House, while videos appeared to show police firing and shelling in several cities.

Opposition parties condemned the governor’s rule and vowed to challenge it legally and publicly.

The PTI called the move a ‘dangerous precedent’, alleging that the federal government was using emergency powers to weaken the province’s elected leadership, according to Pakistani daily Dawn.

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