Internet Disruptions, Political Detentions Follow Emergency Declaration in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

October 13, 2026

Islamabad: International human rights organization Amnesty International has expressed serious concern over the alleged arbitrary arrests of prominent leaders and disruption of internet services following the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The organization has questioned the necessity and proportionality of the emergency measures taken by the federal government.

On Sunday, Pakistan’s federal government declared a state of emergency in the province and imposed Governor’s rule. Simultaneously, the provincial government led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was suspended.

Amnesty International expresses concern over the state of emergency and deployment of the military

Amnesty International’s South Asia Deputy Director Babu Ram Pant criticized the declaration of a state of emergency and the deployment of armed forces in the province.

He stated that reports of arbitrary detention of prominent leaders, including the provincial Chief Minister, and disruption of internet services across the province raise questions about the proportionality of these emergency measures.

Pant stated that in a public emergency that threatens national existence, governments may, under limited circumstances, exercise certain exemptions from human rights obligations. However, the name of emergency does not grant unfettered license to suppress human rights, muzzle dissent, or concentrate power.

Threat of Human Rights Violations from Military Deployment

Pant warned that the deployment of the military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could further militarize the region. He feared that this could create conditions for the unlawful use of force.

He also expressed concern regarding allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during counter-terrorism operations.

Pant urged Pakistani authorities not to use the military for routine policing purposes and to ensure that military forces remain accountable and adhere to international human rights laws and standards.

He said that in the current sensitive situation, the federal government should ensure independent oversight of all actions taken under the emergency. Every emergency measure must be necessary and proportionate to the situation.

Reports of Detention of Several Leaders, Including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi

According to local media reports on Monday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several cabinet members were detained following the suspension of the provincial government.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Talal Chaudhry, told the media that charges will be filed against these leaders in pending legal cases and they will be prosecuted.

Fire at Governor’s House, Tension in Several Cities

Following the imposition of the emergency and Governor’s Rule, reports emerged of political tension and worsening security situation in the region. Meanwhile, the Governor’s House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was set on fire.

Videos circulating on social media showed the Governor’s House engulfed in flames. Other videos also showed police firing and firing tear gas shells in various cities across the province.

PTI calls decision an attack on democracy

On Sunday, opposition parties strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to impose Governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They called it an attack on democracy and vowed to challenge the decision in legal and public forums.

The PTI issued a statement warning that the decision sets a dangerous precedent. The party termed it political vendetta and alleged that it was aimed at weakening the province’s elected leadership.