ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in aid of civil power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after imposing an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
The authorisation of the army deployment was made through Statutory Regulatory Order, issued by the interior ministry on Sunday.
According to the order, a copy of which is available with Dawn, the federal government authorised the deployment of army troops and assets in aid of civil power for the “safety of life, security of persons and property of citizens as well as security of government installations” in the province.
The authorisation lasts for the duration of the proclamation issued regarding the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule. The notification cited powers conferred to the government under Article 245 of the Constitution.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in consultation with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, would determine the number of troops and assets necessary, the notification added.
Copies of the order were forwarded to the president’s secretary, prime minister’s adviser, the KP governor’s secretary, the Military Operations Directorate GHQ Rawalpindi, the KP home secretary, the inspector general of police (IGP) in the province, the Peshawar High Court registrar and other officials.
The emergency imposition comes a day after PM Shehbaz met President Zardari and discussed the country’s overall security situation.
That meeting came amid heightened tensions between the PML-N-led federal government and the KP government led by the PTI — which is in opposition in the Centre. They have been at odds over various issues, particularly on the counterterrorism policy, which was one of the main reasons behind the breakdown of their Oct 3 talks.
The PTI has said it was being left out of security decisions concerning KP, which the Centre has denied. It also calls for reviewing the counterterrorism policy and opposes military operations.
On the other hand, the Centre has been criticising the KP government’s efforts to combat terrorism in the province and objects to its stance on dialogue with the Afghan Taliban.
Shipping containers block roads
Shipping containers were placed around the city of Peshawar to block roads after the imposition of the emergency.
Containers were placed near Peshawar’s railway station to block the routes towards Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Bazaar and beyond. They were also placed near Edwardes College to block entry to Jail Road and Malik Saad Shaheed Flyover, while people were turned away from Sher Shah Suri Road as it was reported to be completely closed.
Police were reportedly deployed in significant numbers, particularly around Governor House. The deployment included personnel called from other districts.
Police and personnel of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including many in plainclothes, were seen patrolling the roads leading to Governor House, the central police office, Peshawar police headquarters and other government installations largely located in the Red Zone, a correspondent reported.
Vehicles with tinted glasses, police mobile vans, armored personnel carriers and other LEA vehicles were reportedly the only transport visible in and around the cantonment area, with life at a standstill and the area appearing deserted.
Another correspondent reported that the road leading to Khyber Road was shuttered by a container and the traffic control gate closed. A large number of police personnel were also seen around Surey Pul, a favoured spot for protesters.
Grand Trunk (GT) Road was blocked by containers at Firdous Chowk and the correspondent reported a large number of police personnel in the area. Only pedestrians were allowed to move ahead.
Additionally, containers near Bala Hisar Fort and outside the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) office on Arbab Road blocked entry towards Mall Road.
Only official vehicles were being allowed to travel from Governor House towards the Chief Minister’s House, while tight security was reported on Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum road where they are located. The Civil Secretariat was seen to be deserted.
Royal Artillery (RA) Bazaar has been closed, while Saddar remains partially open.
Additionally, Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations were reported to be shuttered by Dawn’s correspondent.
The stretch of Khyber Road connecting to University Road and Airport Road at Aman Chowk was reported to be open but with low traffic. A large police contingent was seen at Aman Chowk. Meanwhile, University Road was blocked by containers at Tehkal, and containers at Stadium Chowk allowed for only single-file passage of vehicles on both sides.
Earlier, traffic jams were reported due to the closure of Khyber Road, which connects GT Road with the eastern side of University Road and serves as the main artery and choke point. The resulting diversions created pressure on auxiliary roads.
The area is part of the cantonment, and the Red Zone contains important installations such as the Corps Commander’s House, civil secretariat, central police office, CM Secretariat, CM House and Governor House.
All telecoms services, including landline and DSL, are reported to be suspended in the provincial capital. The city had witnessed a nearly 48-hour mobile service blackout just days ago, on account of the presence of the PTI in the city for its long march.
With networks suspended, people faced immense issues in withdrawing money from bank accounts, as ATMs remained out of service for the entire day.
Aside from the suspension of cellular network and broadband services, however, the situation remained normal for those living on Kohat Road, Charsadda Road, GT Road beyond Pir Zakorhi Bridge, and the area bordering the Khyber district, as well as others on the outskirts of the provincial capital. Vehicles of the armed forces were also reported to be patrolling cantonment areas and a heavy deployment of police was reported in both the city and its outskirts including Kohat Road, GT Road, University Road and Warsak Road.
Separately, a holiday has been declared for schools, colleges and universities in the district on Monday (Oct 12), according to a notification issued by the deputy commissioner of Peshawar.
“It is hereby notified that all educational institutions, both public and private, including schools, colleges and universities, shall remain closed on October 12, 2026 (Monday) located within the territorial jurisdiction of District Peshawar,” the notification said.
On Saturday, KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed put district police on alert for possible violent protests and sabotage in the event of an emergency in the province, emphasising caution in the use of force.
A notification issued by the IGP’s office directed not only officers in Peshawar but also district police officers (DPOs), sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) and even station house officers (SHOs) to personally monitor the situation.
It said DPOs could issue appropriate directions, instructions or guidelines to regulate protests and ensure public safety. In the event of violence, they could also take necessary legal action.
It added that the use of force was to be carried out on a gradated basis, noting that in the first phase, protesters should be clearly warned against violence before police began to use forceful measures.
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