Peshawar’s Sixty-Day Test: Balancing Security, Stability and Constitutional Governance

Peshawar has witnessed numerous security challenges and political developments over the years. Recent restrictions on mobile networks, the suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services and disruptions to internet connectivity have once again highlighted the difficult circumstances facing the provincial capital.

Containers were placed at several important locations, including Firdous Chowk, Assembly Chowk and University Road, while security arrangements were strengthened in the cantonment area. Such measures reflect the seriousness of the prevailing security situation, although they also underline the importance of maintaining essential public services and minimising inconvenience to citizens.

The president signed the summary on Sunday under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The emergency has been imposed in twelve districts – the eight merged districts, along with Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.

Under the new arrangement, the province has come under governor’s rule. The provincial administration led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and his cabinet has been suspended, while Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assumed administrative responsibilities with the assistance of an eleven-member council comprising retired officials and technocrats. The information portfolio is being handled by a serving member of PML-N.

The army has also been called in under Article 245 to support security arrangements. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, some provincial ministers and the speaker of the assembly have reportedly been taken into what officials describe as “preventive custody”.

This is the fourth occasion in the province’s history that governor’s rule has been imposed, following similar developments in 1975, 1994 and 1999. Each episode reflected the complex relationship between provincial administration, national security and the broader political environment.

The security concerns behind the current decision deserve serious consideration. Federal ministers say terrorist incidents in the province have increased by almost 200 per cent over approximately two years, while the interior minister has reported the deaths of 518 police personnel during the last eighteen months alone.

In September, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported a higher number of militant attacks nationwide than in any previous month during the preceding twelve years.

These figures underline the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement agencies and security institutions. Strengthening police capacity, improving intelligence coordination and ensuring effective cooperation between provincial and federal authorities are essential to addressing the threat.

Islamabad has also referred to a joint plan aimed at strengthening police arrangements in five districts. The initiative was intended to gradually enable the army and Frontier Constabulary to reduce their operational involvement as local law enforcement capabilities improved.

However, progress on the proposed arrangements reportedly remained limited over several months. At the same time, political differences between the provincial and federal governments continued, with the provincial leadership focusing on its proposed march towards Islamabad.

At a time when the province is facing serious security challenges, close coordination between political leadership and security institutions is particularly important. Political engagement and administrative responsibilities must complement one another to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts remain effective.

The constitutional framework also deserves careful consideration. Article 232 provides for the proclamation of an emergency under specified circumstances, while Article 234 deals with constitutional intervention in provincial affairs when the required conditions are met.

The application of these provisions has wider implications for provincial administration and democratic continuity. Their implementation should therefore remain consistent with constitutional requirements, legal procedures and parliamentary oversight.

The emergency currently covers twelve districts, while Peshawar and Swabi are not included in the designated areas. Nevertheless, additional security measures have been introduced in Peshawar, and police have reportedly detained 169 PTI workers in Swabi during a crackdown linked to the political march.

These developments highlight the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between security operations and political activities. Effective counter-terrorism measures require public confidence, cooperation from local communities and a shared understanding of the challenges facing the province.

There is also an important social dimension to the security situation. The success of counter-terrorism efforts depends not only on operational capacity but also on public trust and community participation.

The perception that local communities are not adequately represented in decision-making can create difficulties for administration and security cooperation. Pakhtuns, like all citizens of Pakistan, deserve effective governance, equal opportunities and confidence in public institutions.

Every effort should therefore be made to ensure that security measures are accompanied by public engagement, transparent procedures and respect for citizens’ rights.

The effectiveness of counter-terrorism activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires a capable provincial police force, supportive political leadership, trusted district officials and the cooperation of tribal elders and community representatives.

Experienced administrators and technocrats can contribute valuable expertise to provincial governance. At the same time, sustainable administration requires coordination with elected representatives and local communities.

The Constitution also provides a specific timeframe for governor’s rule. The arrangement remains effective for two months unless approved by a joint sitting of Parliament, and its continuation is subject to constitutional requirements and limitations.

Several lawyers quoted in the press have suggested that the chief minister and his cabinet could return after the proclamation expires if the arrangement is not constitutionally extended. The coming sixty days will therefore be important for determining the province’s administrative and political direction.

The federal government has an opportunity to use this period constructively. It can continue necessary security arrangements in the twelve affected districts while exploring ways to restore normal provincial administration in accordance with constitutional procedures.

Similarly, legal matters involving individuals in custody should be addressed through established judicial processes. Those against whom sufficient evidence exists should face proceedings under the law, while the rights of others must remain protected.

Afridi’s brother has approached the Peshawar High Court seeking clarification about his whereabouts. The matter highlights the importance of transparent legal procedures and timely judicial consideration.

The information minister has also referred to alleged evidence concerning contacts between PTI and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Such allegations are serious and should be examined through appropriate legal channels, allowing the relevant evidence to be assessed by competent authorities.

Meanwhile, the proposed five-district police strengthening plan deserves renewed attention. Its implementation could provide a practical starting point for improving local security capacity and strengthening coordination between provincial and federal institutions.

Parliament also has an important constitutional responsibility in this matter.

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza has filed a resolution questioning whether the constitutional requirements under Article 232 were adequately fulfilled and calling for the proclamation to be revoked.

Before any joint sitting considers approval or extension of the arrangement, parliamentarians should have access to the relevant constitutional documentation, including the governor’s report on which the decision is based.

Parliamentary oversight, institutional consultation and transparent decision-making can help strengthen public confidence in constitutional arrangements.

The PTI leadership also has an important role in moving the situation forward. Running a provincial government during a period of serious security challenges requires sustained engagement with the federal government and security institutions.

The party could contribute positively by offering clear assurances of cooperation through a joint counter-terrorism mechanism involving the Centre and relevant security agencies.

The peace jirga resolution referred to by Asad Qaiser, which he said had received support from all political parties, could provide a useful starting point for renewed dialogue.

Ultimately, the challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot be resolved through administrative measures alone. They require cooperation between elected representatives, the federal government, security institutions, law enforcement agencies and local communities.

Restoring normalcy in Peshawar and strengthening public confidence should remain shared priorities. The security of citizens, protection of constitutional institutions and continuity of effective governance are complementary objectives.

The removal of containers from Firdous Chowk may take only an afternoon, but rebuilding public confidence and strengthening cooperation between Peshawar and Islamabad requires sustained commitment.

The sixty days ahead provide an important opportunity for all stakeholders to work towards stability, institutional coordination and a peaceful future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Miss Diya Sheikh is a BS Peace and Conflict Studies student with academic interests in human rights, human security, governance and social inequality. Her writing explores contemporary social and political issues through a peace and conflict perspective.