Pakistan Army deployed in KP as emergency, governor’s rule take effect
The federal government approved the deployment through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) issued by the Ministry of Interior. The order allows army troops and assets to support civilian authorities in protecting citizens, public property and government installations.
Army deployment authorised under Article 245
The notification states that the deployment is intended to ensure the “safety of life, security of persons and property of citizens as well as security of government installations”. The authorisation will remain in force for the duration of the emergency and governor’s rule.
The order was issued under Article 245 of the Constitution, which deals with the functions of the armed forces in aid of civil power. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will determine the number of troops and resources required in consultation with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Copies of the notification were sent to senior government and security officials, including the president’s secretary, the prime minister’s adviser, the KP home secretary, the provincial inspector general of police and the registrar of the Peshawar High Court. The Military Operations Directorate at GHQ was also provided with a copy.
Political tensions rise over security policy
The army deployment follows growing tensions between the federal government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in KP. The two sides have disagreed over counterterrorism measures, military operations and negotiations with the Afghan Taliban.
The PTI has claimed that it is being excluded from decisions about security in the province, but the federal government has rejected this allegation. Disagreements over these issues were among the main reasons talks between the government and opposition broke down on October 3.
The federal government has also criticised the KP administration’s efforts to tackle terrorism and its position on dialogue with the Afghan Taliban. The latest measures come after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the country’s overall security situation.
Containers block roads across Peshawar
Security was tightened across Peshawar after the emergency was imposed, with shipping containers placed at several locations to restrict movement. Routes near the railway station, Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Bazaar, Edwardes College and Malik Saad Shaheed Flyover were among the areas affected.
Sher Shah Suri Road was reported closed, while containers blocked access to Khyber Road and parts of Grand Trunk (GT) Road near Firdous Chowk. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers around Governor House and other sensitive locations, with some personnel reportedly brought in from other districts.
Containers were also placed near Bala Hisar Fort and outside the Pakistan International Airlines office on Arbab Road, restricting access towards Mall Road. Only official vehicles were reportedly allowed to travel between Governor House and the Chief Minister’s House, while security remained tight around government buildings.
Public transport and traffic face disruption
Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations were reported closed, adding to travel difficulties for residents. Royal Artillery Bazaar was also shut, while Saddar remained partially open.
Some major roads remained accessible, but traffic was lighter than usual in several areas. The stretch connecting Khyber Road with University Road and Airport Road at Aman Chowk remained open, while University Road was blocked by containers at Tehkal and traffic at Stadium Chowk was restricted to single-file movement.
The road closures caused traffic jams and forced drivers to use alternative routes, putting additional pressure on nearby roads. The affected area includes Peshawar’s cantonment and the Red Zone, where important installations such as the Corps Commander’s House, Civil Secretariat, Central Police Office, Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Governor House are located.
The deployment of the Pakistan Army in KP marks a significant step in the federal government’s response to the province’s security situation. The move is intended to protect citizens and important government buildings during the emergency.
However, the restrictions across Peshawar could disrupt daily life, public transport and business activity. The political disagreement between the federal and provincial governments may also complicate efforts to develop a shared approach to counterterrorism.
The coming days will be important in determining how the emergency measures are implemented and how long the restrictions remain in place. Clear communication from the authorities and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments will be important for maintaining security and reducing disruption for residents.
Also read: Emergency and governor’s rule imposed in KP as president nods federal cabinet decision
Also read: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi and Murree for 30 days
