Peshawar moved back toward its usual rhythm on Tuesday, as main roads, markets and public transport services reopened in the provincial capital. The return to routine came a day after emergency measures and governor’s rule were introduced on Sunday, although security forces kept a firm presence across the city.
Authorities lifted restrictions on key routes, including the approaches to the Red Zone, which had been obstructed with shipping containers over security concerns. Those containers have now been pushed to the side of the road, letting vehicles pass again, while large numbers of police and other personnel remain posted at sensitive sites to keep order and head off possible demonstrations.
Markets, transport and mobile networks restored
Security had been tightened across the city on Monday ahead of a protest planned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a day after the federal government decided to impose the emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During that period, authorities blocked major roads, particularly in Peshawar Cantonment and the areas leading to the Red Zone, while schools, colleges and universities were shut and public transport was halted.
Mobile phone and Wi-Fi services, which had also been disrupted, were later restored. Public transport, which had been suspended for two days, resumed on Tuesday. Markets and commercial areas that had closed on Monday over security worries also reopened, allowing everyday business to restart.
Educational institutions have reopened in most areas, but schools remain closed in 12 districts, according to the latest update. The road between Peshawar High Court and the Peshawar Press Club is still shut because of activity by lawyers, and movement near the High Court is restricted. All other major routes in the provincial capital have been reopened.
Former KP chief minister and cabinet members held
Former chief minister Sohail Afridi and some members of his cabinet have been taken into “preventive custody” since the emergency rule was imposed, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed to a news agency on Monday. Chaudhry said the detentions took place on Sunday, and that those facing cases would be charged and tried, while the others would be released.
Witnesses and officials cited by international news agencies reported that Afridi’s residence and other important facilities nearby had been cordoned off, with a heavy presence of police, paramilitary troops and shipping containers. PTI aide Shaukat Yousafzai condemned the detentions and called for the release of those being held.
Federal government defends the emergency measures
A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had declined to say whether Afridi and his cabinet colleagues would be arrested or kept inside the province. He stated that anyone wanted in a criminal case would be dealt with under the law, and that people held in preventive custody would be freed once circumstances allowed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the move on Monday, arguing that the federal government had no option but to act in order to shield people and possessions while the province continues its long struggle against terrorism. Speaking at a seminar on terrorism and regional security, he rejected the suggestion that the decision was politically driven, and said protecting citizens wherever they live in Pakistan is the federal government’s responsibility.
The move follows the suspension of the PTI-led provincial government after President Asif Ali Zardari issued emergency rule amid a deteriorating security situation and mounting friction between the Centre and the party. Under Sunday’s measures, the provincial government’s executive powers were handed to the governor, and an 11-member advisory council was formed to oversee provincial affairs.
PTI continues to oppose the federal measures, arguing that they undermine the province’s electoral mandate, and says it will keep up its protest campaign. Twelve districts have been placed under a federal administrative arrangement overseen by the governor:
- Dera Ismail Khan
- Tank
- Lakki Marwat
- Bannu
- Bajaur
- Mohmand
- Khyber
- Kurram
- Orakzai
- Upper South Waziristan
- Lower South Waziristan
- North Waziristan
An Area Development Secretariat has been set up to manage administration, security and development in those districts. The government has also authorised army personnel to be deployed under Article 245 of the Constitution to support the civil administration, and says the steps are intended to restore law and order and safeguard citizens.
