The situation in Pakistan is tense. On one hand, the challenge of terrorism, on the other, the opposition of Imran Khan’s party and the strictness of the government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s government has imposed emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An order has been issued to deploy the army. President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule.

At the same time, in Karachi, Section 144 has been invoked and a ban on protests, rallies and public gatherings has been imposed till 20 October. In such a situation, the question is whether the pressure is mounting on Pakistan’s government and army?

Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

On Sunday (October 11), the federal government of Pakistan decided to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Under this, the powers of the provincial government were handed over to the Governor. The Government of Pakistan has also announced the formation of an 11-member Advisory Council and the establishment of a separate secretariat for the administrative affairs of 12 districts.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, has long faced terrorist violence. The central government has alleged that the provincial administration is not cooperating enough to fight terrorism. At the same time, Imran Khan’s party PTI has opposed the action, calling it politically motivated.

Army deployment, challenge to police

On October 11, the Ministry of Home Affairs of Pakistan issued an order to deploy the army under Article 245 of the Constitution. According to Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, about 6,200 terrorist incidents have taken place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the past two years and about 1,200 people have been killed. He also claimed that there are around 1.25 lakh policemen in the province, but 17 thousand posts are vacant. These are the figures given by the government, in such a situation Pakistan government says that army is needed to maintain security.

Strictness in Karachi too

Here after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, now in Karachi also the administration has taken strict measures. Section 144 has been enforced from October 11 to 20. Under which a ban has been imposed on gathering of more than five people at one place, taking out rallies and holding demonstrations. The administration says the protests are causing traffic jams and affecting people’s movement and access to hospitals.

Demand for release of Imran Khan

Earlier, PTI organized protests at several places in Karachi demanding the release of Imran Khan, adherence to the constitution and rule of law. The arrest of Imran Khan and the demand for his release is a major issue in Pakistani politics. PTI supporters are protesting against the government.

A big challenge for the government of Pakistan

Pakistan now faces the twin challenge of curbing terrorism and curbing political dissent. It will be clear in the coming days how much the security situation improves due to the deployment of the army and the ban on demonstrations. But these events have definitely raised a big question whether tough decisions will bring stability in Pakistan or will the conflict between government, army and opposition escalate?