Islamabad, October 11, 2026: The federal government has imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after President Asif Ali Zardari approved recommendations made by the federal cabinet.
The decision was taken during an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid growing security concerns and political disagreements between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration.
President Approves Emergency Under Articles 232 and 234
According to a statement from the President House, the emergency and governor’s rule were imposed under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution.
Article 232 deals with emergency proclamations involving serious threats to national or provincial security, while Article 234 provides for federal intervention when constitutional governance in a province cannot be carried out according to constitutional requirements.
The federal cabinet recommended the measures after reviewing the security situation in KP. The Prime Minister’s Office said the cabinet had expressed concern over what it described as the provincial government’s unwillingness to participate fully in counterterrorism efforts.
Federal Government Cites Rising Terrorism Threats
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the emergency meeting to discuss deteriorating security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal officials have criticised the provincial government’s approach to counterterrorism, particularly its opposition to certain military operations and its preference for negotiations.
The PTI-led government, however, has maintained that provincial authorities should be consulted on security decisions affecting KP. It has also called for a review of counterterrorism policies and greater emphasis on political engagement.
These differences have contributed to increasing tensions between Islamabad and Peshawar.
New Chief Secretary Appointed in KP
Following the announcement, the federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan as the new chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr Irfan, a Grade 22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, was previously serving as secretary of the Power Division in the federal Ministry of Energy.
His appointment took effect immediately and will remain in place until further orders.
The government also placed Grade 20 officer Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada at the disposal of the KP administration.
PTI Rejects Governor’s Rule as Undemocratic
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan strongly condemned the federal government’s decision, describing it as an attack on provincial autonomy and the democratic mandate of KP’s elected representatives.
He argued that lasting peace could not be achieved by weakening provincial institutions or excluding elected representatives from important security decisions.
The PTI leadership announced that it would consider challenging the decision through constitutional and legal channels.
Party representatives also discussed possible parliamentary boycotts and peaceful demonstrations in response to the emergency measures.
Reports of Internet Disruptions in Peshawar
Following the announcement, internet and mobile data disruptions were reported in parts of Peshawar and some other locations.
Telecommunications sources indicated that mobile services had been slowed or suspended in selected areas, although there was no province-wide internet shutdown.
Security personnel were also deployed in greater numbers, while barriers and shipping containers were placed along certain roads.
Meanwhile, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan claimed that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had been taken into custody. Independent confirmation of the claim was not immediately available.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi Calls for Unity
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi urged political leaders and residents to work together for peace and development following the federal government’s decision.
He said the measures were intended to improve security and create conditions for the province’s progress.
The governor also emphasised the importance of political cooperation and protecting the interests of KP residents.
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What Happens Next in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
Under Article 234, a proclamation of governor’s rule must be presented to a joint sitting of Parliament. It expires after two months unless approved, and any extensions are subject to constitutional limits.
The decision is expected to face political and legal scrutiny as PTI leaders consider their response.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments likely to depend on security conditions, constitutional proceedings and negotiations between the federal and provincial political leadership.
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