ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in aid of civil power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after imposing an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
The authorisation of the army deployment was made through Statutory Regulatory Order, issued by the interior ministry on Sunday.
According to the order, a copy of which is available with Dawn, the federal government authorised the deployment of army troops and assets in aid of civil power for the “safety of life, security of persons and property of citizens as well as security of government installations” in the province.
The authorisation lasts for the duration of the proclamation issued regarding the imposition of an emergency and governor’s rule. The notification cited powers conferred to the government under Article 245 of the Constitution.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in consultation with the Military Operations Directorate at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, would determine the number of troops and assets necessary, the notification added.
Copies of the order were forwarded to the president’s secretary, prime minister’s adviser, the KP governor’s secretary, the Military Operations Directorate GHQ Rawalpindi, the KP home secretary, the inspector general of police (IGP) in the province, the Peshawar High Court registrar and other officials.
The emergency imposition comes a day after PM Shehbaz met President Zardari and discussed the country’s overall security situation.
That meeting came amid heightened tensions between the PML-N-led federal government and the KP government led by the PTI — which is in opposition in the Centre. They have been at odds over various issues, particularly on the counterterrorism policy, which was one of the main reasons behind the breakdown of their Oct 3 talks.
The PTI has said it was being left out of security decisions concerning KP, which the Centre has denied. It also calls for reviewing the counterterrorism policy and opposes military operations.
On the other hand, the Centre has been criticising the KP government’s efforts to combat terrorism in the province and objects to its stance on dialogue with the Afghan Taliban.
Shipping containers block roads
Shipping containers were placed around the city of Peshawar to block roads after the imposition of the emergency.
Containers were placed near Peshawar’s railway station to block the routes towards Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Bazaar and beyond. They were also placed near Edwardes College to block entry to Jail Road and Malik Saad Shaheed Flyover, while people were turned away from Sher Shah Suri Road as it was reported to be completely closed.
Police were reportedly deployed in significant numbers, particularly around Governor House. The deployment included personnel called from other districts.
Dawn’s correspondent reported that the road leading to Khyber Road was shuttered by a container and the traffic control gate closed. A large number of police personnel were also seen around Surey Pul, a favoured spot for protesters.
Grand Trunk (GT) Road was blocked by containers at Firdous Chowk and the correspondent reported a large number of police personnel in the area. Only pedestrians were allowed to move ahead.
Additionally, containers near Bala Hisar Fort and outside the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) office on Arbab Road blocked entry towards Mall Road.
Only official vehicles were being allowed to travel from Governor House towards the Chief Minister’s House, while tight security was reported on Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum road where they are located. The Civil Secretariat was seen to be deserted.
Royal Artillery (RA) Bazaar has been closed, while Saddar remains partially open.
Additionally, Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations were reported to be shuttered by Dawn’s correspondent.
The stretch of Khyber Road connecting to University Road and Airport Road at Aman Chowk was reported to be open but with low traffic. A large police contingent was seen at Aman Chowk. Meanwhile, University Road was blocked by containers at Tehkal, and containers at Stadium Chowk allowed for only single-file passage of vehicles on both sides.
Earlier, traffic jams were reported due to the closure of Khyber Road, which connects GT Road with the eastern side of University Road and serves as the main artery and choke point. The resulting diversions created pressure on auxiliary roads.
The area is part of the cantonment, and the Red Zone contains important installations such as the Corps Commander’s House, civil secretariat, central police office, CM Secretariat, CM House and Governor House.
All telecoms services, including landline and DSL, are reported to be suspended in the provincial capital. The city had witnessed a nearly 48-hour mobile service blackout just days ago, on account of the presence of the PTI in the city for its long march.
On Saturday, KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed put district police on alert for possible violent protests and sabotage in the event of an emergency in the province, emphasising caution in the use of force.
A notification issued by the IGP’s office said district police officers (DPOs) could issue appropriate directions, instructions or guidelines to regulate protests and ensure public safety. In the event of violence, they could also take necessary legal action.
KP House sealed, NPC refuses to allow TTAP presser
In Islamabad, the main opposition alliance — which would typically hold pressers at KP House — could not find a place to hold a press conference in the urban areas as KP House was sealed.
The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has therefore decided to hold its presser at Jamia Al Wilaya near Bhara Kahu on the Murree Expressway.
Speaking to Dawn, TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai said that after deciding to hold a press conference, the alliance initially thought to go to KP House, but came to know that it had been sealed.
He added that they then decided to hold it at the National Press Club (NPC), but were refused by the club despite being willing to pay the fee.
“Now we have decided to hold the presser at Bhara Kahu,” he said.