Pakistan’s federal government has authorised the deployment of army troops and military assets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule.

Axar.az reports, citing Dawn, that the Interior Ministry issued a notification on Sunday authorising the deployment under Article 245 of the Constitution to protect lives, citizens’ property and government installations.

The authorisation will remain in effect for the duration of the emergency and governor’s rule. Provincial Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will determine the number of troops and assets required in consultation with the Military Operations Directorate at army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Protests erupted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over demands for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.