PESHAWAR: Tensions escalated across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday as Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf party supporters clashed with police during protests against the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province.
Police used tear gas and, according to PTI, live ammunition to disperse protesters in parts of the province. The administration denied using live rounds and blamed circulating footage on misinformation. Around 50 people were detained and cases were registered under anti-terrorism laws, according to officials.
The unrest follows Islamabad’s decision to suspend the PTI-led provincial government and impose direct federal control. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the emergency measures on October 11, citing deteriorating law and order and rising militant violence.
PTI has rejected the move as politically motivated and vowed to challenge it. The federal government, however, maintains that stronger control is necessary to tackle militancy in the restive province bordering Afghanistan.