ISLAMABAD – The federal government has finalised preparations for a possible emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a decision reportedly hinging on the outcome of negotiations between government and opposition delegations amid PTI long march.
Sources said the proposed arrangements include administrative reshuffles involving deputy commissioners and provincial secretaries, along with lists of candidates for regional and district police leadership positions.
An initial emergency covering 12 districts affected by militancy has also been discussed as one of the options, the sources added.
It has been 6 days since PTI’s Long March began, with hundreds of thousands participating.
Ordinary Pakistanis have been marching peacefully across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Imran Khan’s release and for democracy in their country. #FreeImranKhan https://t.co/cAcRvPYBM5
— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 10, 2026
Minister of State for Interior Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed that the federal government had completed its deliberations on imposing an emergency in the province, but said no final decision had been announced.
He described meetings at the Prime Minister’s House as routine and did not confirm reports of an imminent meeting to decide the matter.
Chaudhry stressed that the provincial government must cooperate with the federal administration to tackle terrorism, saying the Centre remained committed to eliminating militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He warned that an emergency could become an alternative if the provincial government failed to cooperate with federal efforts.
The minister also clarified that a constitutional emergency would cover the entire province rather than being limited to 12 districts. However, he said additional measures were necessary in areas facing the most serious security challenges.
Meanwhile, federal cabinet members have reportedly been instructed to stay in Islamabad, amid speculation that a cabinet meeting could be called soon to discuss the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The reported preparations come as the federal government considers its response to continuing security challenges and political tensions in the province.
Neither the imposition of an emergency nor governor’s rule has been officially announced. The timing and agenda of the anticipated cabinet meeting also remain unconfirmed.
