Brief
President Zardari imposes emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The federal government has taken control of the province, dismissed its elected officials and deployed army troops.
By Felo News Desk · Published
President Asif Ali Zardari signed a summary authorising the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, 2026, after federal‑cabinet approval, Daily Times reported.
What happened
The proclamation, issued under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s constitution on the prime minister’s advice, took immediate effect. It cites a surge in terrorist incidents targeting government installations, critical infrastructure and law‑enforcement agencies. The document states that the provincial government failed to demonstrate the commitment needed to curb terrorism and lawlessness.
Under the new arrangement, the federal government may direct the governor to assume all or some provincial functions. The governor will exercise powers assigned by the centre, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s authority will be exercised by Parliament or under its direction. The chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants and the advocate general were ordered to vacate their offices immediately.
Internet disruptions were reported in parts of Peshawar, with telecom sources saying mobile network and data services were slowed or shut down in selected city areas, though there was no province‑wide shutdown. The federal government also authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets to support civil power in the province.
What the reports add
Daily Times noted that within hours of the emergency announcement, Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) claimed chief minister Sohail Afridi and provincial party president Junaid Akbar were arrested, describing the move as “political victimisation.” PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said the arrests aim to weaken the elected leadership and undermine democratic institutions.
The outlet also reported that the government confirmed the detention of some individuals “wanted” in cases to ensure law and order, while later forming an 11‑member technocratic KP Advisory Council to assist the governor.
What was said
Sheikh Waqas Akram, quoted by Daily Times, said: “The arrest of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Junaid Akbar has exposed the political nature of the federal government’s actions. These measures are not directed at addressing security challenges; they are intended to weaken PTI, undermine the elected government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and disregard the democratic will of its people.”
How it came about
The emergency follows a period of heightened terrorist activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which the proclamation describes as threatening citizens’ lives and property. Earlier in the day, the federal government appointed Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan as chief secretary of the province, according to an official notification referenced by Daily Times.
Key facts
- President Asif Ali Zardari signed a proclamation imposing emergency and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The chief minister, provincial ministers, advisers and the advocate general were ordered to vacate their offices. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Pakistan Army troops were authorised for deployment to support civil power in the province. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- PTI claimed chief minister Sohail Afridi and party president Junaid Akbar were arrested. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- An 11‑member technocratic advisory council was formed to assist the governor. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “Federal govt seizes control of KP”
