I don’t live in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and I won’t pretend to speak for the people who do. But I spent today reading the proclamation, the constitutional text and the security figures, and my view is simple: the emergency was necessary.
On Sunday President Zardari signed the order under Articles 232 and 234, on the cabinet’s advice. The federal government says provincial politicians had stepped back from the fight against terrorism. The proclamation says attacks on installations, infrastructure and police have sharply intensified.
Maximum are calling this Youm-e-Nijat, a day of deliverance. I can’t tell you how many, and I don’t know what every household in the province feels tonight. But, I have seen lots of videos on social media and they were in big numbers. People are celebrating this day, and I understand the word. Earlier this year, people in Bannu marched against insecurity and said roads had been shut for over a year while ordinary people lived in fear. People who live like that reach for a word like nijat. Following the political developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, gatherings marking Youm-e-Nijat (Day of Deliverance) were reportedly held at various locations across Karachi, where sweets were distributed to celebrate the removal of the provincial government. Participants expressed happiness over what they described as an end to protest-driven politics and relief from a provincial administration they considered incompetent and ineffective in addressing public concerns. The celebrations reflected dissatisfaction among sections of the public with the former KP government’s performance, deteriorating law and order, and prolonged political confrontation. Participants also emphasised the need to prioritise effective governance, counterterrorism, restoration of peace, and the resolution of pressing public issues over political agitation.
Who has been in charge
PTI has governed the province for just over twelve years. Pervez Khattak was chief minister from May 2013 to June 2018, and Mahmood Khan from August 2018 until he dissolved the assembly in January 2023. After a caretaker interval, the PTI-backed Ali Amin Gandapur served from March 2024 to October 2025, and Sohail Afridi has held the post since.
What the figures say
The Centre for Research and Security Studies counted at least 1,415 violence-linked deaths nationwide in the third quarter, up 83 percent, the sharpest rise since 2021. KP’s toll went from 475 to 556, after a 53 percent jump the quarter before. PICSS recorded 225 militant attacks in September, the most in any month for twelve years, and in mainland KP security personnel deaths rose from 12 in June to 38 in July. None of this started this year, either: 2025 had the most attacks since 2014. No provincial government brought the TTP back, but a province carrying this load needs its police, army and elected leaders working together.
The money
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says he asked Chief Minister Afridi how he would strengthen police in the worst-hit districts and was told the province lacked funds. He says he offered federal money on the spot, and that 518 police personnel have died in eighteen months. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also speaks of a severe resource shortage.
Yet Afridi flew to Lakki Marwat to launch the long march, and a contempt petition before the Peshawar High Court says it was an official helicopter, against a court order. The march costs the state as well. Islamabad’s security bill is expected to pass Rs1 billion, and Punjab has reportedly paid about Rs450 million in police allowances. Those aren’t KP’s costs, but together they equal roughly a tenth of the Rs14.5 billion KP budgeted this year for police weapons, vehicles and drones. The News also reports nearly Rs700 billion in war-on-terror funds reaching the province since 2010, with no comprehensive audit.
The standoff
Afridi has vowed to allow no further military operation. Talks with Islamabad broke down on October 3, mostly over counterterrorism, and PTI launched its long march the next day. A government can disagree with federal strategy. It can’t step back from security arrangements while its police are being killed and its leaders march on the capital.
What the Constitution says
Article 232 allows an emergency when internal disturbance is beyond a province’s power to control. It requires a provincial assembly resolution, and where the President acts on his own, both Houses of Parliament must approve within ten days. The proclamation lapses after two months unless a joint sitting approves it. Governor’s rule under Article 234 also lasts two months, extendable in two-month steps, and never beyond six. Neither article touches the High Courts. Parliament should hold the government to every one of these limits.
What comes next
Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan, the hotspots PICSS names, should get police recruitment, equipment and intelligence support first. Article 233 lets rights be suspended, and that power should be used as little as possible. Elected representatives should get their power back at the first constitutional opportunity.
A province under this much pressure couldn’t wait for a political settlement. The emergency was necessary.