Islamabad, 12 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Suspended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, MNA Junaid Akbar and Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati are among eight individuals reportedly taken into preventive custody following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province, officials confirmed on Monday. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed to Reuters that Afridi and some members of his cabinet had been detained on Sunday, adding that individuals facing cases would be charged and tried, while others would be released. The federal government imposed emergency and governor’s rule under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, citing what it described as the PTI-led provincial government’s failure to take effective measures against terrorism. The decision has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties, which have termed the move politically motivated and unconstitutional. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said the detention of Afridi and Junaid Akbar reflected the federal government’s political intentions and was aimed at weakening the party and undermining the elected provincial government. Meanwhile, security measures have been tightened in Peshawar, where shipping containers have been placed on several roads and police personnel deployed in large numbers. Residents have also faced disruptions to internet and mobile phone services. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assumed responsibility for running the province on behalf of the federal government, supported by an 11-member technocratic KP Advisory Council. The federal government has also authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in the province in aid of civil power. The developments come amid escalating tensions between the PML-N-led federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration, particularly over counterterrorism policy and the breakdown of government-opposition negotiations. The imposition of emergency and governor’s rule also coincides with the PTI’s planned week-long march towards Islamabad, which has so far remained confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite the provincial police being directed to prevent the planned protest, the party has reiterated its intention to continue with the demonstration.