Islamabad/Peshawar: Pakistan’s federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has reportedly agreed to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. Geo News and Aaj News reported the decision on October 11, citing government sources. An official presidential proclamation confirming implementation has not yet been independently verified.
The cabinet reviewed the deteriorating security situation, rising terrorist attacks and proposed constitutional measures. According to reports, the government is also considering separate administrative arrangements for 12 districts. Sources further reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar contacted JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman during the cabinet proceedings as part of a final effort to secure cooperation from the provincial government before implementing extraordinary measures.
Meanwhile, Peshawar is under heightened security, with the Red Zone sealed and several important roads closed. Traffic police confirmed restrictions around routes leading to Suri Bridge and Bacha Khan Chowk. Mobile phone services have also been suspended, while TransPeshawar temporarily halted BRT operations because of road closures and security conditions.
The political situation remains tense as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI oppose the proposed emergency measures. The reported cabinet agreement, continuing mediation efforts and pending formal constitutional steps mean that the final implementation status remains subject to official confirmation.
