Lift Emergency and Governor’s Rule in KP — Restore the Elected Government
The Issue
An international petition calling for the restoration of democracy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, protection of Imran Khan's human rights, and accountability for alleged political repression in Pakistan.
Why this petition matters
I am originally from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. I am raising my voice because I believe that the democratic choices of our people, the fundamental rights of prisoners, and the rule of law must be respected regardless of political differences.
The suspension of KP's elected government, Imran Khan's continued detention, serious concerns about his medical condition and prison conditions, and allegations of political intimidation demand independent international scrutiny.
I call on the United Nations, international human-rights organisations, and the wider international community to examine these developments and take appropriate action within their mandates.
1. Lift Governor's Rule and restore Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government
On 11 October 2026, Pakistan's President promulgated emergency measures and Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the PTI-led provincial government. The federal government cited security concerns and alleged failures by the provincial administration, while PTI disputed the justification.
The people of KP had already made their political choice clear—not once, but three times.
In the 2013, 2018, and 2024 provincial elections, voters chose PTI-led governments. In the 2024 election, PTI-backed candidates won 93 of the 115 general seats in the provincial assembly, more than two-thirds of the directly elected seats. This was a powerful electoral mandate and a historic third consecutive victory for a PTI-led government in the province.
For many people in KP, this is about more than party politics. It is about whether the people's mandate will be respected when their electoral choice conflicts with the preferences of those holding power at the federal level.
The timing and extent of the emergency intervention have raised serious concerns about whether political considerations have influenced a decision officially justified on security grounds. The federal authorities should provide transparent evidence for their decision, explain why less sweeping measures were insufficient, and demonstrate that the intervention complies with Pakistan's constitutional framework.
Our foremost demand is the immediate lifting of Governor's Rule and the emergency measures suspending KP's elected administration, followed by the restoration of the elected chief minister, cabinet, and government's constitutional authority.
We ask the international community to support independent scrutiny of this intervention and to call for the restoration of democratic governance through the appropriate constitutional and legal mechanisms.
Read Reuters' report on the emergency declaration.
2. Counterterrorism requires cooperation, not the suspension of democracy
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to peaceful, hospitable, generous, and patriotic people. Our province should not be defined by terrorism.
Security challenges have affected particular districts, especially areas bordering Afghanistan. These threats are real and must be addressed, but they do not mean the entire province faces identical security conditions.
If the principal security concerns are concentrated in particular districts, why should the elected government and democratic administration of the entire province be suspended? The federal authorities must explain why targeted security measures and cooperation with the provincial government would not be sufficient.
Pakistan's own recent history shows that negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were not confined to Imran Khan's government. His administration pursued dialogue in 2021, and the succeeding federal government continued negotiations after April 2022. The National Security Committee discussed the negotiations in June 2022, followed by consideration of the process by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.
This history demonstrates that counterterrorism policy has involved successive governments and civilian and military leadership. Different approaches to security must be assessed through evidence rather than used as grounds for political accusations without independent investigation.
We demand the restoration of KP's elected government and its meaningful involvement in counterterrorism planning, intelligence coordination, and security decisions affecting its people.
Security operations should be based on credible intelligence, lawful authority, local knowledge, and the protection of civilians. Sensitive intelligence must be safeguarded, but authorised provincial officials should receive the information needed to fulfil their responsibilities. Federal authorities, military leadership, intelligence agencies, police, and the provincial administration should work together rather than allow institutional conflict to undermine public safety.
Read the National Security Committee's June 2022 briefing on TTP negotiations.
3. Imran Khan's detention, eyesight, medical condition, and prisoner rights
We are deeply concerned about Imran Khan's continued detention, reports of prolonged solitary confinement, restrictions on contact with his family and lawyers, and questions surrounding access to appropriate medical care.
His eyesight has become a particularly serious concern. In February 2026, his counsel told the Supreme Court that a report submitted to the court indicated that a blood clot had caused substantial damage to his right eye, leaving him with reportedly only 15% vision. Later prison medical reporting stated that his vision had almost returned to normal following treatment. Given these differing accounts, an independent ophthalmological assessment and transparent medical follow-up are essential.
Read the reporting on his reported vision loss.
The issue is not simply whether he has received an examination. It is whether his medical needs have been properly assessed, whether recommended treatment has been provided, and whether judicial directions concerning his healthcare and access to family and legal counsel have been fully implemented.
Several judicial interventions have already taken place:
- In February 2026, the Supreme Court directed that he receive a specialist eye examination by 16 February and be allowed telephone contact with his sons.
- In August 2026, the Supreme Court ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment, directed the formation of a medical board that included an ophthalmologist, and ordered arrangements for family contact and access to his medical records.
- In September 2026, the Islamabad High Court directed that he not be kept in isolation and ordered facilities including family contact, access to newspapers and books, and daily walking and exercise.
However, implementation of the Supreme Court's medical-care directions became disputed. The authorities took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences rather than the specified Shifa International Hospital, citing security concerns. The government maintained that he received the necessary medical examination and was declared medically fit, while his family and party challenged whether the court's directions had been followed as written. Further proceedings concerning implementation were deferred amid questions about the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court.
These developments raise an important question: what meaningful protection do court orders provide if their implementation remains contested and their full compliance is not transparently established?
Amnesty International has also raised concerns about prolonged solitary confinement, restricted access to family and legal counsel, medical care, and the deterioration of his vision.
We therefore demand:
- An independent medical assessment, including specialist ophthalmological care, with appropriate treatment based on the findings.
- Full and transparent compliance with applicable High Court and Supreme Court directions concerning his health, detention conditions, and access to family and legal counsel.
- An end to any prolonged solitary confinement that violates international standards, alongside humane detention conditions and regular meaningful human contact.
- Appropriate access to independent doctors, his legal representatives, and family members, subject only to lawful, necessary, and proportionate restrictions.
Imprisonment does not extinguish a person's right to health, dignity, humane treatment, or a fair trial. These protections must apply to Imran Khan as they should to every other prisoner.
Read Amnesty International's August 2026 statement.
4. Fair trials and concerns about politically motivated proceedings
Imran Khan faces multiple legal proceedings arising after his removal from office in April 2022. He denies wrongdoing, and his party maintains that the cases are being used to prevent his return to political life.
These concerns deserve serious attention. In 2024, Amnesty International reviewed proceedings against him and concluded that his imprisonment was unlawful and politically motivated, identifying concerns including the fairness and publicity of trials, access to legal counsel, and adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
That assessment does not remove the need to examine each case according to the evidence and law. It does, however, reinforce the importance of independent judicial scrutiny when prosecutions involving a major opposition leader raise questions about political interference.
We call for all proceedings against Imran Khan to meet international fair-trial standards, including an independent and impartial tribunal, access to evidence, the ability to challenge prosecution witnesses, adequate preparation time, and meaningful rights of appeal.
No person should face imprisonment because of political affiliation, and no politician should be treated as above the law.
Read Amnesty International's analysis of fair-trial concerns.
5. Investigate political intimidation and alleged human-rights abuses
Human-rights organisations have documented restrictions on political dissent and night raids targeting PTI leaders and supporters. There are also serious concerns about allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation, unlawful raids, and mistreatment of women during political and security operations.
Credible allegations of abuse must be investigated independently. Families should receive reliable information about detained relatives, and anyone subjected to unlawful treatment must have access to effective remedies.
Women must be treated with dignity and protected from harassment and degrading treatment. No citizen should fear unlawful detention or retaliation for peacefully expressing a political opinion.
We call on international human-rights mechanisms to monitor these concerns, seek verifiable information, and advocate for accountability wherever violations are established.
Our demands to the international community
We respectfully call upon the United Nations, relevant UN human-rights experts, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Commonwealth, international legal organisations, and democratic institutions worldwide to:
- Demand the lifting of Governor's Rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the restoration of its elected government and constitutional authority.
- Call for the restored KP government to be meaningfully engaged in counterterrorism planning, with evidence-based measures focused on affected districts and appropriate protections for civilians.
- Seek independent scrutiny of the legal basis, necessity, and proportionality of the emergency intervention.
- Monitor Imran Khan's detention conditions, eyesight and medical care, and demand compliance with applicable judicial directions concerning his health, family access, and legal representation.
- Advocate for fair and impartial proceedings in all cases against Imran Khan, with full respect for due process and the presumption of innocence.
- Support independent investigations into credible allegations of enforced disappearances, unlawful detention, political intimidation, and mistreatment of women.
- Encourage meaningful follow-up to the Commonwealth Observer Group's recommendations concerning Pakistan's 2024 elections.
- Maintain international attention on Pakistan's democratic and human-rights situation and pursue appropriate institutional, diplomatic, and legal action within their respective mandates.
Why your signature matters
This petition is not a request to place any politician or political party above the law. It is a demand that the law apply equally to everyone.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have repeatedly chosen PTI-led governments. Their democratic mandate deserves respect. Security threats must be addressed through cooperation and proportionate measures, not by suspending the political representation of an entire province without compelling justification.
Imran Khan deserves humane treatment, appropriate medical care, access to his lawyers and family, and fair judicial proceedings. Every Pakistani deserves the freedom to express political opinions without fear of unlawful intimidation.
Please sign and share this petition. Call on the United Nations and the international community to demand the restoration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government, protection of Imran Khan's fundamental rights, and accountability for substantiated human-rights violations in Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan deserve security without repression, democracy without intimidation, and justice without political discrimination.
Let the people's democratic mandate be respected. Let Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government be restored. Let the world pay attention.
4
The Issue
An international petition calling for the restoration of democracy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, protection of Imran Khan's human rights, and accountability for alleged political repression in Pakistan.
Why this petition matters
I am originally from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. I am raising my voice because I believe that the democratic choices of our people, the fundamental rights of prisoners, and the rule of law must be respected regardless of political differences.
The suspension of KP's elected government, Imran Khan's continued detention, serious concerns about his medical condition and prison conditions, and allegations of political intimidation demand independent international scrutiny.
I call on the United Nations, international human-rights organisations, and the wider international community to examine these developments and take appropriate action within their mandates.
1. Lift Governor's Rule and restore Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government
On 11 October 2026, Pakistan's President promulgated emergency measures and Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the PTI-led provincial government. The federal government cited security concerns and alleged failures by the provincial administration, while PTI disputed the justification.
The people of KP had already made their political choice clear—not once, but three times.
In the 2013, 2018, and 2024 provincial elections, voters chose PTI-led governments. In the 2024 election, PTI-backed candidates won 93 of the 115 general seats in the provincial assembly, more than two-thirds of the directly elected seats. This was a powerful electoral mandate and a historic third consecutive victory for a PTI-led government in the province.
For many people in KP, this is about more than party politics. It is about whether the people's mandate will be respected when their electoral choice conflicts with the preferences of those holding power at the federal level.
The timing and extent of the emergency intervention have raised serious concerns about whether political considerations have influenced a decision officially justified on security grounds. The federal authorities should provide transparent evidence for their decision, explain why less sweeping measures were insufficient, and demonstrate that the intervention complies with Pakistan's constitutional framework.
Our foremost demand is the immediate lifting of Governor's Rule and the emergency measures suspending KP's elected administration, followed by the restoration of the elected chief minister, cabinet, and government's constitutional authority.
We ask the international community to support independent scrutiny of this intervention and to call for the restoration of democratic governance through the appropriate constitutional and legal mechanisms.
Read Reuters' report on the emergency declaration.
2. Counterterrorism requires cooperation, not the suspension of democracy
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to peaceful, hospitable, generous, and patriotic people. Our province should not be defined by terrorism.
Security challenges have affected particular districts, especially areas bordering Afghanistan. These threats are real and must be addressed, but they do not mean the entire province faces identical security conditions.
If the principal security concerns are concentrated in particular districts, why should the elected government and democratic administration of the entire province be suspended? The federal authorities must explain why targeted security measures and cooperation with the provincial government would not be sufficient.
Pakistan's own recent history shows that negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were not confined to Imran Khan's government. His administration pursued dialogue in 2021, and the succeeding federal government continued negotiations after April 2022. The National Security Committee discussed the negotiations in June 2022, followed by consideration of the process by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.
This history demonstrates that counterterrorism policy has involved successive governments and civilian and military leadership. Different approaches to security must be assessed through evidence rather than used as grounds for political accusations without independent investigation.
We demand the restoration of KP's elected government and its meaningful involvement in counterterrorism planning, intelligence coordination, and security decisions affecting its people.
Security operations should be based on credible intelligence, lawful authority, local knowledge, and the protection of civilians. Sensitive intelligence must be safeguarded, but authorised provincial officials should receive the information needed to fulfil their responsibilities. Federal authorities, military leadership, intelligence agencies, police, and the provincial administration should work together rather than allow institutional conflict to undermine public safety.
Read the National Security Committee's June 2022 briefing on TTP negotiations.
3. Imran Khan's detention, eyesight, medical condition, and prisoner rights
We are deeply concerned about Imran Khan's continued detention, reports of prolonged solitary confinement, restrictions on contact with his family and lawyers, and questions surrounding access to appropriate medical care.
His eyesight has become a particularly serious concern. In February 2026, his counsel told the Supreme Court that a report submitted to the court indicated that a blood clot had caused substantial damage to his right eye, leaving him with reportedly only 15% vision. Later prison medical reporting stated that his vision had almost returned to normal following treatment. Given these differing accounts, an independent ophthalmological assessment and transparent medical follow-up are essential.
Read the reporting on his reported vision loss.
The issue is not simply whether he has received an examination. It is whether his medical needs have been properly assessed, whether recommended treatment has been provided, and whether judicial directions concerning his healthcare and access to family and legal counsel have been fully implemented.
Several judicial interventions have already taken place:
- In February 2026, the Supreme Court directed that he receive a specialist eye examination by 16 February and be allowed telephone contact with his sons.
- In August 2026, the Supreme Court ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment, directed the formation of a medical board that included an ophthalmologist, and ordered arrangements for family contact and access to his medical records.
- In September 2026, the Islamabad High Court directed that he not be kept in isolation and ordered facilities including family contact, access to newspapers and books, and daily walking and exercise.
However, implementation of the Supreme Court's medical-care directions became disputed. The authorities took him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences rather than the specified Shifa International Hospital, citing security concerns. The government maintained that he received the necessary medical examination and was declared medically fit, while his family and party challenged whether the court's directions had been followed as written. Further proceedings concerning implementation were deferred amid questions about the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court.
These developments raise an important question: what meaningful protection do court orders provide if their implementation remains contested and their full compliance is not transparently established?
Amnesty International has also raised concerns about prolonged solitary confinement, restricted access to family and legal counsel, medical care, and the deterioration of his vision.
We therefore demand:
- An independent medical assessment, including specialist ophthalmological care, with appropriate treatment based on the findings.
- Full and transparent compliance with applicable High Court and Supreme Court directions concerning his health, detention conditions, and access to family and legal counsel.
- An end to any prolonged solitary confinement that violates international standards, alongside humane detention conditions and regular meaningful human contact.
- Appropriate access to independent doctors, his legal representatives, and family members, subject only to lawful, necessary, and proportionate restrictions.
Imprisonment does not extinguish a person's right to health, dignity, humane treatment, or a fair trial. These protections must apply to Imran Khan as they should to every other prisoner.
Read Amnesty International's August 2026 statement.
4. Fair trials and concerns about politically motivated proceedings
Imran Khan faces multiple legal proceedings arising after his removal from office in April 2022. He denies wrongdoing, and his party maintains that the cases are being used to prevent his return to political life.
These concerns deserve serious attention. In 2024, Amnesty International reviewed proceedings against him and concluded that his imprisonment was unlawful and politically motivated, identifying concerns including the fairness and publicity of trials, access to legal counsel, and adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
That assessment does not remove the need to examine each case according to the evidence and law. It does, however, reinforce the importance of independent judicial scrutiny when prosecutions involving a major opposition leader raise questions about political interference.
We call for all proceedings against Imran Khan to meet international fair-trial standards, including an independent and impartial tribunal, access to evidence, the ability to challenge prosecution witnesses, adequate preparation time, and meaningful rights of appeal.
No person should face imprisonment because of political affiliation, and no politician should be treated as above the law.
Read Amnesty International's analysis of fair-trial concerns.
5. Investigate political intimidation and alleged human-rights abuses
Human-rights organisations have documented restrictions on political dissent and night raids targeting PTI leaders and supporters. There are also serious concerns about allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation, unlawful raids, and mistreatment of women during political and security operations.
Credible allegations of abuse must be investigated independently. Families should receive reliable information about detained relatives, and anyone subjected to unlawful treatment must have access to effective remedies.
Women must be treated with dignity and protected from harassment and degrading treatment. No citizen should fear unlawful detention or retaliation for peacefully expressing a political opinion.
We call on international human-rights mechanisms to monitor these concerns, seek verifiable information, and advocate for accountability wherever violations are established.
Our demands to the international community
We respectfully call upon the United Nations, relevant UN human-rights experts, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Commonwealth, international legal organisations, and democratic institutions worldwide to:
- Demand the lifting of Governor's Rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the restoration of its elected government and constitutional authority.
- Call for the restored KP government to be meaningfully engaged in counterterrorism planning, with evidence-based measures focused on affected districts and appropriate protections for civilians.
- Seek independent scrutiny of the legal basis, necessity, and proportionality of the emergency intervention.
- Monitor Imran Khan's detention conditions, eyesight and medical care, and demand compliance with applicable judicial directions concerning his health, family access, and legal representation.
- Advocate for fair and impartial proceedings in all cases against Imran Khan, with full respect for due process and the presumption of innocence.
- Support independent investigations into credible allegations of enforced disappearances, unlawful detention, political intimidation, and mistreatment of women.
- Encourage meaningful follow-up to the Commonwealth Observer Group's recommendations concerning Pakistan's 2024 elections.
- Maintain international attention on Pakistan's democratic and human-rights situation and pursue appropriate institutional, diplomatic, and legal action within their respective mandates.
Why your signature matters
This petition is not a request to place any politician or political party above the law. It is a demand that the law apply equally to everyone.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have repeatedly chosen PTI-led governments. Their democratic mandate deserves respect. Security threats must be addressed through cooperation and proportionate measures, not by suspending the political representation of an entire province without compelling justification.
Imran Khan deserves humane treatment, appropriate medical care, access to his lawyers and family, and fair judicial proceedings. Every Pakistani deserves the freedom to express political opinions without fear of unlawful intimidation.
Please sign and share this petition. Call on the United Nations and the international community to demand the restoration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government, protection of Imran Khan's fundamental rights, and accountability for substantiated human-rights violations in Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan deserve security without repression, democracy without intimidation, and justice without political discrimination.
Let the people's democratic mandate be respected. Let Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's elected government be restored. Let the world pay attention.
Petition Updates
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Petition created on 13 October 2026