Pakistan Imposes State of Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Government of Pakistan imposed a state of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 13, 2026, citing a 195 percent increase in terrorist incidents over the last two years. Federal officials reported approximately 8,600 attacks in the province, asserting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf-led provincial government failed to curb the violence or strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department despite receiving over Rs800 billion in federal funding.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif established a technocrat council to manage security and economic challenges, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz prepared a resolution for the National Assembly to formally endorse the move under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the provincial administration of working "hand in glove with terrorists" and prioritizing political mobilization over security coordination.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the measures during a Senate session, challenging constitutional experts to identify any violations of the law. Naqvi noted that while some political leaders, including former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser, supported the fight against terrorism, the provincial government maintained a differing position. The federal government has now established a new administrative setup in the province to restore law and order.