Roads blocked, signals cut as Peshawar grinds to a halt

Peshawar witnessed an extraordinary security lockdown on Sunday as shipping containers, police barricades and heavy deployments restricted movement across major roads following the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sudden restrictions disrupted daily life, leaving residents struggling to reach their destinations amid growing uncertainty.

The provincial capital woke up to an uneasy atmosphere, with mobile phone services unavailable and several major routes blocked. The Pakistan Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service remained suspended during the morning, while containers were placed at key intersections to restrict traffic and control movement.

GT Road was sealed near Firdous Chowk, with a heavy police presence deployed along the route. Pedestrians were allowed to pass through certain sections, but vehicles could not move freely. Several shops between Hospital Road and Firdous Chowk remained shuttered, adding to the deserted appearance of the area.

Security was also tightened around sensitive government and military installations. The gates of Bala Hisar Fort, which houses the Frontier Corps North headquarters, remained closed. Police personnel were deployed near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, while access to Khyber Road and the city’s red zone was restricted through additional barricades.

Several roads connecting important parts of the city were blocked, forcing commuters and pedestrians to take lengthy detours. Movement was restricted near the central jail, MPA Hostel and other key locations. Police personnel stopped people from proceeding along certain routes, directing them to alternative roads.

The Civil Secretariat, the administrative centre of the provincial government, appeared largely deserted, with only a few vehicles parked outside the chief secretary’s office. Meanwhile, security personnel checked people travelling towards the residences of the governor and provincial ministers.

Additional police and paramilitary forces were visible on roads leading towards the chief minister’s residence. Armoured personnel carriers, prison vans and vehicles carrying riot police were also seen moving through the city, highlighting the heightened security arrangements.

Khyber Road remained among the most heavily restricted routes. At several checkpoints, security personnel refused to allow pedestrians to cross barricades, even when they explained their need to reach the other side. The absence of mobile phone connectivity further complicated the situation, leaving people with limited options to contact officials or arrange alternative routes.

Other areas also faced restrictions. University Road was reportedly blocked near Tehkal, while containers were placed at Stadium Chowk, allowing vehicles to pass through narrow lanes. Amn Chowk remained open, but traffic was noticeably lighter than usual. Saddar Bazaar was partially operational despite the tense political situation.

The restrictions affected more than road traffic. Residents faced difficulties travelling across neighbourhoods, while the suspension of mobile services disrupted communication. Internet connectivity also reportedly went down later in the afternoon, adding to the challenges faced by people across the provincial capital.

Peshawar has experienced years of security challenges and political tensions, but the latest measures marked a significant change in the city’s routine. In previous political confrontations, demonstrations originating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa often prompted extensive security arrangements in Islamabad. This time, similar restrictions spread across Peshawar itself.

With containers blocking major arteries and security personnel stationed at key locations, the provincial capital experienced an unusual shutdown. How long the restrictions will remain in place, and when normal movement and communication services will resume, remains uncertain.