Why Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become Asim Munir’s biggest headache amid rumours of Imran Khan’s death | Explained

Why PTI-ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa poses a growing threat to Pakistan’s federal leadership

As protests erupt across Pakistan following false rumours of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan’s death in jail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has emerged as a flashpoint for the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Pakistan Army.

Federal authorities are now weighing the option of imposing Governor’s Rule in PTI-ruled KP, citing mounting “security and governance issues”. Pakistan’s Junior Law Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik confirmed that the proposal is under consideration.

According to Malik, the situation has become an “absolute necessity” due to the actions of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a senior PTI leader who has demanded access to Khan in prison and has repeatedly appeared with the former premier’s sisters. Afridi also staged an overnight sit-in outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail recently.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is currently the only province under PTI’s rule, which has increasingly put pressure on the Shehbaz Sharif government and the country’s military establishment.

What is happening in KP?

The political unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa comes amid a renewed spike in militancy across the province. On Tuesday, at least five people, including Assistant Commissioner Shah Wali and two policemen, were killed when TTP militants ambushed a government vehicle in Bannu district. A separate attack also targeted a checkpost in Panjgur district.

Security forces have intensified counterterror operations as TTP violence continues to surge. Recently, the Pakistan military reported that at least 22 militants were killed during a major intelligence-based operation in KP. Earlier, one police personnel died, and three others were injured in a suicide blast targeting a security vehicle in Lakki Marwat district.

Over the weekend, police confirmed that 17 militants were killed and several were injured in multiple operations in Bannu’s Sheri Khel and Pakka Pahar Khel areas following intelligence reports of their presence.

The series of attacks and counter-operations underscores a growing confrontation between Pakistan’s security establishment and TTP militants, deepening instability in the already volatile region.

PTI mobilisation and fears of wider unrest

PTI’s KP chapter has announced protests at the Peshawar–Islamabad Motorway Interchange, along with a planned march toward Swabi. Leaders told Dawn that demonstrations could escalate into a motorway blockade, disrupting traffic between the federal and provincial capitals.

Party members argue that Khan has “disappeared” inside Adiala Jail, adding fuel to public anger already stoked by the fake death rumours that went viral on social media.

High-stakes decision ahead

The possibility of federal intervention in KP, a PTI stronghold, marks a critical test for Islamabad as the confrontation between the civilian government, the military, and Khan’s supporters intensifies.

Governor’s Rule, if imposed, would sideline the elected provincial government and likely trigger more unrest in an already volatile region.

Imran Khan’s accusations against the military Govt

From prison, Khan has launched sharp attacks at Pakistan’s top leadership. He labelled Army Chief General Asim Munir the “most oppressive dictator” in the country’s history and a “mentally unstable man.” He further accused the military and the government of vendetta politics.

Khan claims he and his wife are being subjected to “extreme cruelty,” alleging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration is indiscriminately targeting PTI members. All charges against him, including the 14-year sentence he is currently serving on corruption charges, are “fabricated,” he insists, while the military denies any political interference.