Peshawar Faces Major Traffic Disruptions After Emergency Imposed in KP
Peshawar experienced significant traffic restrictions and disruptions to daily life on Sunday following the imposition of governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The provincial capital, which has faced security challenges for decades, has generally maintained political stability despite tensions between provincial and federal authorities. However, the latest developments brought fresh uncertainty to the city.
Heavy rainfall overnight had left several roads flooded, but Sunday morning began with clear skies. Despite the improved weather, residents faced difficulties as mobile phone signals were unavailable in several areas, raising concerns about communication and connectivity.
The disruption came just days after the city experienced an almost 48-hour mobile service blackout linked to a PTI protest march.
Public transport services were also affected, with stations of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system remaining closed during the morning.
Authorities placed shipping containers along the Grand Trunk (GT) Road near Firdous Chowk to restrict traffic. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, and pedestrians were allowed to pass through certain sections while regular vehicular movement remained restricted.
Several shops along the GT Road, particularly between Hospital Road and Firdous Chowk, were also shuttered. Police officers were seen stationed outside the closed businesses as security measures intensified.
Security arrangements were further tightened around important government and administrative locations. The main gates of Bala Hisar Fort, which houses the headquarters of Frontier Corps North, remained closed, while police personnel were deployed nearby.
Restrictions were also reported around Surey Chowk, near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, which connects the GT Road with Khyber Road and the city’s Red Zone.
The measures made routine journeys more difficult for residents, with commuters facing road closures, limited public transport and communication problems.
The situation highlighted the immediate impact of the emergency measures on mobility and everyday activities in Peshawar as security personnel maintained a heightened presence across key parts of the city.
