Pakistan has officially imposed a state of emergency and governor's (direct) rule in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and ordered the deployment of armed forces units into its territory. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The corresponding decree was signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on October 11, 2026, on the recommendation of the federal cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal authorities' justification
Federal authorities justified the emergency declaration by the local government's inability and "deliberate refusal" to effectively counter terrorism and armed attacks, as well as the threat of economic destabilization of the country.
Legal basis for the army
Pakistan's Ministry of Interior deployed the army on the basis of Article 245 of the Constitution. The military will assist the local administration in maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and guarding state and public facilities.
Duration and contingent size
The military will remain in the region for the entire period of the emergency regime. The specific size of the contingent will be determined by the provincial governor together with the General Staff of the Pakistan Armed Forces.