Pakistan’s federal government has defended its decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intensifying its confrontation with the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the province’s security policy.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the move was aimed at containing terrorism, not pursuing political interests. The government accused the PTI-led provincial administration of failing to cooperate in counterterrorism efforts, allegations the opposition has disputed.

The decision, taken under Articles 232 and 234 of Pakistan’s Constitution, was followed by the deployment of army personnel and heavy security measures in Peshawar, where shipping containers were placed to block several roads.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also accused Afghanistan’s Taliban administration of allowing militant groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from its territory. He cited UN monitoring assessments estimating that thousands of TTP fighters remain in Afghanistan.

According to Asia News Network, Pakistan has repeatedly pressed Kabul to dismantle militant sanctuaries, warning that cross-border attacks continue to threaten regional stability. The Taliban administration has faced persistent accusations from Islamabad over the TTP’s presence, while tensions between the two neighbors have complicated efforts to improve security and trade ties.

The emergency has also exposed deep political divisions within Pakistan, with the federal government insisting that constitutional intervention was necessary and the PTI-led provincial leadership remaining at odds with Islamabad over counterterrorism policy. The dispute raises questions about whether stronger federal control can improve security without further escalating political tensions.

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