Pakistan hints at Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as protests escalate over Imran Khan 

Islamabad considers Governor’s Rule in PTI-led KP amid pro-Khan unrest

The Pakistan government is weighing the option of imposing Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with a federal minister citing serious “security and governance issues” in the PTI-ruled province.

The remarks from Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, came days after Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi held an overnight sit-in outside Adiala Central Jail in Rawalpindi, where PTI founder Imran Khan is imprisoned.

The protest came amid unrest across several cities after viral rumours falsely suggested Imran Khan had died in custody.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s son, Kasim, has also voiced concern that authorities may be hiding “something irreversible.”

Speaking to Reuters, he said that being kept in the dark about whether his father is “safe, injured or even alive” amounts to “psychological torture.”

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Malik told the media that the federal government was “pondering over” Governor’s Rule, a constitutional measure only used in cases of “absolute necessity.” He argued the KP administration had failed to maintain stability or coordinate with Islamabad.

Speaking to Geo News, Malik said Afridi and his cabinet had “badly failed in having any sort of workable situation,” adding: “Neither do they want coordination with the Centre, nor do they take action where it is needed.” He insisted that the crisis required steps to ensure a functioning “administrative structure” in the province.

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He also warned that KP authorities were “planning to block routes and cut off the province” from the rest of the country.

Governor’s Rule in Pakistan can be imposed under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution on the prime minister’s advice, with the president holding final authority. Malik noted that the president could also act independently, though parliamentary approval would later be required. Such a measure initially lasts two months and can be extended.

The move has already drawn sharp criticism. Journalist Imran Riaz Khan cautioned that removing the PTI-led government in KP could unleash severe backlash from the province. “Such a fire will erupt from the province that cannot be contained,” he warned.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, however, rejected speculation about his removal, saying he would comply with any decision taken by his party.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over Imran Khan’s condition and access to him continues to intensify. His sisters have filed a contempt petition against Adiala Jail officials, while his sons have publicly demanded proof that he is alive.

Khan's last social-media post on November 5, allegedly after meeting one of his sisters, made direct accusations against Army Chief General Asim Munir, “The military establishment has done all they could against me. All that is left for them is to now murder me… General Asim Munir will be responsible.”

Khan has since escalated his criticism, describing Munir as the “most oppressive dictator” in Pakistan’s history and “mentally unstable,” claiming the country is being run under “Asim Law.” He alleges widespread persecution of PTI members and labels Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government a mere “puppet,” vowing there will be no negotiations.