Islamabad/Peshawar, October 13,2026: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday claimed that people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had welcomed the federal government’s decision to impose an emergency and governor’s rule in the province, saying the measures had given them hope for improved security.
Addressing a joint press conference with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in Islamabad, the information minister rejected the impression that the move was politically motivated, maintaining that the federal government was pursuing a unified counterterrorism policy.
Attaullah claimed that the limited public response to protests against the decision showed that people did not support the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government’s stance on terrorism.
“The people of KP have welcomed the step because they believe there is now hope for them,” he said, adding that residents expected improved safety, protection of their lives and livelihoods, and action against what he described as a political-terrorist nexus.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said terrorist incidents in the province had increased significantly, citing a 195 per cent rise and claiming that 8,600 attacks had been recorded during 2024–2026, compared with 2,900 during 2020–2024.
He stressed the need to harmonize counterterrorism efforts by federal and provincial authorities, saying coordinated action was essential to address the deteriorating security situation.
Azam criticized the previous PTI-led provincial government, alleging that its priorities had not adequately focused on combating terrorism. He cited attacks on KP police and security forces, as well as civilian casualties, as reasons the federal government could not ignore the situation.
The law minister said the federal government had maintained constant engagement with provincial authorities and exhausted available avenues to resolve differences before taking the decision.
Explaining the constitutional basis for the move, he referred to Article 232, which provides for the proclamation of an emergency in specified circumstances, including situations involving grave internal disturbances. Governor’s rule was imposed separately under Article 234.
Azam argued that the measures were intended to protect citizens rather than secure political gains. Responding to a question about why similar action had not been taken in Balochistan, he praised the provincial government’s response to security incidents, saying its chief minister personally visited affected areas and supervised relief efforts.
‘Total breakdown of governance’
Attaullah reiterated that the federal government had no political agenda against the PTI but wanted a consistent national approach to counterterrorism.
He questioned how different tiers of government could pursue conflicting policies on tackling militancy and alleged a breakdown of law and order in KP.
The information minister also questioned the utilization of funds allocated to the province under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, asking why greater investment had not been made in security infrastructure and equipping the provincial police.
He further criticized the provincial government over what he described as inadequate reforms in education, health and public services.
Emergency imposed amid security concerns
The federal government announced the emergency under Article 232 and governor’s rule under Article 234 on Sunday following a federal cabinet meeting that reviewed the security situation in KP.
The decision followed allegations by the Centre that the provincial government had disengaged from counterterrorism efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently sent a summary to the president, who approved the measures.
The Centre also authorized the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in aid of civil power in the province. In Peshawar, shipping containers were placed at several locations to block roads, alongside a heavy police deployment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the decision on Monday, saying it was intended to curb terrorism rather than pursue political objectives.
The move comes amid continued tensions between the federal government and the PTI over counterterrorism policy and security decisions affecting KP. Their differences were among the factors behind the breakdown of talks on October 3.
The PTI has maintained that it was being excluded from security decisions concerning the province, a claim denied by the Centre. The party has also called for a review of counterterrorism policy and opposed military operations, while the federal government has criticized the provincial administration’s approach to combating militancy and its position on dialogue with the Afghan Taliban.
