Pakistan army deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as emergency rule triggers tight security

The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and military assets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to support civil authorities following the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.

The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and military assets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to support civil authorities following the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.

The Interior Ministry issued a formal notification on October 11, 2026 under Article 245 of the Constitution. According to the order the deployment aims to protect citizens, safeguard public and private property and secure government buildings and other important installations.

The authorisation will remain in effect for the duration of the emergency and governor’s rule. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in consultation with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi will decide the number of troops and military resources required.

Security was tightened across Peshawar following the government’s decision. Authorities placed shipping containers at several major intersections and roads to restrict movement, particularly around the provincial capital’s Red Zone which houses key government offices and security installations.

Police and other law enforcement personnel were deployed in large numbers near the Governor House, Chief Minister’s House, Central Police Office and Civil Secretariat. Several roads were blocked or partially closed causing traffic congestion and forcing commuters to use alternative routes.

Authorities also restricted access to several areas of the cantonment. Public transport services faced disruption while reports indicated that Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations had been closed.

Telecommunications including mobile networks and broadband services, were also reported to be suspended in parts of the provincial capital, disrupting communications and access to banking services.

The development comes amid growing disagreements between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led KP administration over counterterrorism measures and security policy.

The PTI has accused the federal government of excluding the provincial leadership from important security decisions. It has also called for a review of the counterterrorism strategy and opposed military operations.

The federal government, meanwhile has criticised the provincial administration’s approach to tackling militancy.

The Peshawar administration announced that all public and private schools, colleges and universities in the district would remain closed on Monday, October 12, citing the prevailing situation.

Separately, the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) faced difficulties arranging a press conference in Islamabad after KP House was sealed and the National Press Club declined to host the event.

The latest measures reflect heightened security concerns and political tensions in the province as authorities prepare for possible protests and disturbances.