SWABI: Reacting to the federal government’s decision to impose emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and dismiss Sohail Afridi’s government, politicians from various political parties welcomed the move on Sunday, expressing hope that it would help restore peace and stability in the militancy-hit province, where terrorist attacks have reached alarming levels.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl deputy central chief Maulana Fazal Ali told Dawn that party chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman had played his part in efforts to resolve the crisis. However, his last-ditch attempts failed to produce a breakthrough as tensions had reached boiling point, he said.

Javid Khan Inqilabi, divisional general secretary of the Pakistan People’s Party, told reporters at his residence in Swabi that the federal government had made every effort to resolve the issues peacefully. He said the imposition of emergency was a positive sign, expressing hope that it would bring an end to confrontational politics.

Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, divisional senior vice-president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, said politicians should never push matters to a point from which it becomes difficult to turn back. He said PTI leaders had done just that, forcing the federal government to impose emergency rule and bring their own government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to an end.

In Charsadda, political figures and their supporters in Charsadda also welcomed imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and distributed sweets at Farooq Azam Chowk and calls for restoration of peace and improved governance in the province.

Syed Masoom Shah Bacha, an independent candidate from PK-65 and former adviser to the chief minister, distributed sweets among people in the presence of a large number of supporters.

Speaking to media, Mr Bacha criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that its policies had contributed to the ongoing wave of terrorism in the province. He claimed that despite being in power for 13 years, the PTI had not faced attacks, whereas the Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Pakistan Muslim League, Pakistan People’s Party and Jamaat-i-Islami had all come under attack.

He expressed the hope that the law and order situation would improve within two to three months following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule.

He said he stood with the Pakistan Army, police and other law enforcement agencies in their efforts to restore peace.

Meanwhile, local office-bearers of the Pakistan People’s Party also welcomed the decision, saying that although their party had traditionally opposed measures such as governor’s rule, the deteriorating security situation had made the protection of people’s lives and property a pressing concern.

They said residents had grown weary of carrying the coffins of their loved ones killed in violence, while security personnel continued to sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.

The PPP leaders alleged that the provincial health and education systems had deteriorated, employment opportunities declined and inflation made essential services increasingly unaffordable.

In Bannu, residents, traders and political workers expressed joy after the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule, describing the development as a “Day of Deliverance”.

People danced to drumbeats at the city’s famous “Mazdigar Da Bannu Gul” Chowk, while leaders of the Bannu Chamber of Commerce and Industry distributed sweets at their office to celebrate the reported development.

Traders and residents said effective measures were needed to restore peace, revive business activities and address public grievances across Bannu and other parts of the province.

Meanwhile, participants in a rally organised by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) carried banners bearing slogans, including “Happy Day of Deliverance.” They chanted slogans in support of Pakistan, the PML-N and its leadership and distributed sweets to mark the occasion.

Residents, traders, transporters and people from various walks of life criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), claiming that despite nearly 13 years in power in the province, public issues remained unresolved and no major development project had been launched in Bannu.

In Dera Ismail Khan too, residents celebrated imposition of emergency and governor’s rule following the end of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s long tenure in the province, with participants calling for greater accountability, transparency and improved public services.

The celebrations came amid criticism of the provincial government’s performance during its years in power. Questions have also been raised over the use of public funds during the period. Reports of the Auditor General of Pakistan have pointed to various irregularities, including unauthorised expenditure, questionable payments, alleged misuse of funds and shortcomings in the awarding of contracts.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2026