PM forms 11-member panel to monitor K-P

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday constituted an 11-member monitoring committee for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to oversee governance, law and order, and day-to-day affairs in the province, according to sources. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been appointed convener of the committee, which includes Rana Sanaullah, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Amir Muqam, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the sources said. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP – the allied parties of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) at the Centre – will each have one representative on the committee, they added. On Sunday, the federal government took control of the K-P affairs after imposing an emergency and governor's rule in the province, deploying the army to assist the civil administration, forming an 11-member advisory council and establishing a special administrative structure for 12 districts. The emergency followed an increasingly strained relationship between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration, particularly over counterterrorism policy and engagement with the Afghan Taliban. The prime minister has summoned a meeting of the parliamentary parties of the PML-N and its coalition partners for Tuesday (today) to take them into confidence over the imposition of governor's rule and emergency in K-P. According to Express News, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will brief the participants on the security situation, while Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will explain the legal aspects of the decisions. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry will brief them on the agenda for the parliamentary session. The premier directed the authorities concerned to develop the Daanish IT Park Islamabad into a world-class hub of technology and transform it into a centre of a modern IT ecosystem through effective collaboration between academia and industry. Chairing a meeting to discuss matters related to the Daanish IT Park Islamabad, he said that the government would continue its efforts to equip Pakistani youth with modern skills in IT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and FinTech, besides creating new opportunities for IT entrepreneurs. He instructed the Ministry of Information Technology to conduct a comprehensive case study of the project. The prime minister directed to operationalise Daanish IT Park in partnership with global technology companies, and carry out a third-party audit of the project. During the meeting, a briefing was given on the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at boosting IT exports and promoting investment in the sector. The prime minister called for increasing the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Rs1.1 trillion to Rs2.2 trillion by 2028, underscoring their potential to drive economic growth and create business opportunities across the country.

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Punjab Police did not arrest journalist Iqrarul Hassan: Azma Bokhari

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Monday that Punjab Police had not arrested journalist Iqrarul Hassan, adding that investigations into the matter were underway and his family would be informed as soon as verified information about his whereabouts became available. In a statement posted on X, Bokhari said the police had not taken Hassan into custody and that the matter was being investigated. پنجاب پولیس نے اقرار الحسن کو گرفتار نہیں کیا،اس معاملے کی تحقیقات کی جا رہی ہیں، ان کے بارے میں جیسے ہی کوئی مصدقہ اطلاعات موصول ہوں گی ان کے اہل خانہ کو آگاہ کر دیا جائے گا۔ — Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) October 12, 2026 Earlier, journalist Iqrarul Hassan’s wife, Farah Iqrar, told The Express Tribune that a group of unidentified individuals posing as officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had allegedly taken him away from their residence in Lahore’s Defence C area. According to Farah, between five and seven people, including women, arrived at the house late on Sunday night, during the intervening hours of Sunday and Monday, and demanded that Hassan come outside. She alleged that the individuals threatened to break down the door if he was not handed over. They subsequently entered the house, forcibly took the journalist from a room and took him away. Farah said she contacted the relevant agency’s office to inquire about her husband’s whereabouts but received no response. She added that an application regarding Hassan’s alleged abduction was submitted to the Defence C police station at around 6am, after which the police issued a diary number. She further said she later contacted the relevant authorities to register a computerised first information report online but was told that the network was down. Farah appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the incident and ensure her husband’s recovery. She said Hassan had served the country through his journalistic work and exposed various mafias.     یہ پڑی ہے پیپلز پارٹی کی “جمہوریت”۔۔۔ افسوس صد افسوس۔ تاریخ نواز شریف اور زرداری کو کبھی معاف نہیں کرے گی۔ https://t.co/UwF31aX67f — Iqrar ul Hassan Syed (@iqrarulhassan) October 11, 2026 Hours before the reported incident, Hassan had posted a message on X criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party and referring to Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari.

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Info ministry calls out Afghan Taliban for deflecting attention from terrorist sanctuaries

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) on Monday called out the Afghan Taliban for resorting to “rhetoric and diversion” to deflect attention from terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and launching attacks against Pakistan. In a post on X, the ministry said the Afghan Taliban regime’s spokesperson had once again resorted to rhetoric instead of addressing what it described as a well-documented terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan. It added that attempts to shift attention towards Pakistan’s internal affairs could not conceal the Afghan Taliban’s failure to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban regime’s spokesperson has once again resorted to rhetoric and diversion instead of addressing the well-documented terrorist threat emanating from Afghan territory. Attempts to shift attention towards Pakistan’s internal affairs cannot conceal the regime’s… — Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) October 12, 2026 Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to act against militant sanctuaries despite being provided with information about their locations and activities. Citing the Sixteenth Report (S/2025/796) of the UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the ministry said the report estimated that approximately 6,000 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters were present in Afghanistan and documented Taliban support for the group. “These findings cannot credibly be dismissed as Pakistani propaganda. The regime must address this documented threat through concrete action rather than denial,” the ministry said. Also Read: ‘Irrefutable evidence’ links Afghan soil to terror attacks in Pakistan It also criticised the Afghan Taliban regime’s record on governance and citizens’ rights, saying its attempts to lecture others on these issues rang hollow in light of its continued restrictions on girls’ education and violations of fundamental human rights. The ministry reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to dialogue, but said meaningful progress required the Afghan Taliban regime to honour its counterterrorism commitments and take verifiable action against terrorist sanctuaries and support networks. “Pakistan will take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty and safeguard its territorial integrity. The responsibility to end the use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan rests squarely with the regime,” it concluded. Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan Islamabad has rejected Taliban assurances that Afghan territory would not be used against neighbouring countries, arguing that the ground situation and documented militant activity tell a different story. Pakistan maintains that the terrorist nexus extended beyond the movement of terrorists across the border to their training, arming and operational support. Security officials estimate that up to 70 per cent of the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists infiltrating Pakistan were of Afghan origin. They further claim that the Taliban regime had allowed leftover US and NATO weapons to reach terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The security establishment also linked the escalation in attacks to the presence of terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan. In 2026 alone, terrorism emanating from Afghan soil claimed the lives of 1,327 Pakistanis and injured another 2,484, according to figures cited by Pakistani authorities. Read More: Pakistan warns Afghanistan after Kohat attack, says it can eliminate terror threats ‘wherever they are’ Officials said that whenever Pakistani forces targeted terrorist hideouts, the Taliban regime instead moved to defend the militants and their sanctuaries rather than dismantling the infrastructure. The issue, Pakistan has argued, was not confined to TTP. UN assessments have continued to document the presence of several other militant organisations in Afghanistan, including al Qaeda, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Islamic State-Khorasan, reinforcing concerns about the broader militant ecosystem operating from Afghan territory. Pakistani officials say the continued presence of these groups, combined with training facilities, cross-border infiltration and access to sophisticated weapons, demonstrates that Afghanistan remains an important base for terrorist activity affecting Pakistan. Pakistan's position, according to officials, remains that Kabul must take concrete steps to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries, eliminate training infrastructure, prevent cross-border infiltration and ensure that Afghan territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan. The government has maintained that the issue was fundamentally one of Pakistan's national security and that continued attacks from Afghan soil cannot be addressed through denials alone. Pakistan says it expected the Taliban regime to fulfil its commitments by taking verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from its territory rather than defending or denying their presence.

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New authority to settle disputes faster

The Punjab government has established the Punjab Alternative Dispute Resolution Authority (ADRA) under an ordinance to expedite the settlement of disputes outside courts, enabling the public, government departments and other parties to resolve their differences through mutual consultation at reduced cost and within a shorter timeframe. The establishment of the authority is aimed at reducing the burden of pending cases on the judicial system and providing an alternative mechanism for resolving disputes without lengthy legal proceedings. Under the new arrangement, the Punjab chief minister will serve as the chairperson of the authority, while a director general and experts from various fields will be appointed as members. The chairperson will make these appointments, and their terms may also be extended. The authority will include retired judges of the high courts, the Supreme Court and subordinate judiciary, former government officials, and specialists in criminal and civil law, taxation, corporate affairs and other relevant fields. The forum will consider disputes between the government and the public, among private individuals, and between corporate entities. It will facilitate the resolution of disputes through mutual consultation, helping the parties avoid protracted litigation and reduce the time and expense involved in legal proceedings. The authority will also be empowered to issue licences to experts from different fields to enable them to participate in the dispute resolution process. Settlements reached through the forum will be formally notified by the authority. The initiative is intended to provide an efficient, accessible and cost-effective mechanism for settling disputes outside the conventional court system while easing the pressure on courts dealing with a heavy backlog of cases.

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Pakistan’s US envoy highlights Lahore’s cultural and literary legacy at New York festival

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, underscored Lahore’s cultural and literary legacy at the Lahore Literary Festival held at the Asia Society in New York, highlighting the city’s contribution to Pakistan’s intellectual and artistic traditions. The ambassador was accompanied by Aamer Ahmed Atozai, Pakistan’s consul general in the US metropolis. In his inaugural remarks, Sheikh traced Lahore’s enduring contribution to Pakistan’s intellectual and artistic landscape, drawing on his longstanding personal association with the historic city. He said nothing quite matched Lahore in its glory, vibrancy and cultural significance, highlighting the city’s continuing contributions to literature, drama, theatre, film and the performing arts. Describing Lahore as a fountainhead of creativity and intellectual discourse, the ambassador also recalled the historic significance of the Lahore Resolution, adopted in 1940. He described the resolution as a landmark work of political literature that eventually became a reality, laying the ideological foundation for the creation of Pakistan. Drawing a parallel between Pakistan and the United States, Sheikh said Lahore held a place in Pakistan comparable to that of New York in America, embodying cultural dynamism, intellectual vitality and national identity. The festival brought together writers, intellectuals and artists to celebrate arts and literature and promote cultural understanding between Pakistan and the international community.

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PTI long march fizzles out in Swabi following emergency, governor's rule

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march effectively fizzled out in Swabi on Sunday amid heightened security arrangements following the imposition of an emergency and Governor’s rule in K-P. Police were deployed at key locations across the district to prevent possible protests and restrict the movement of the long march caravan led by former chief minister Sohail Afridi. Mobile phone networks and PTCL internet services remained suspended across Swabi, causing inconvenience to residents and disrupting routine communications. Read More: PTI rejects emergency, governor's rule in K-P as unconstitutional, vows to continue struggle According to sources, the PTI caravan was expected to reach Swabi on the night of October 11. However, the party’s local leadership remained largely absent, and no significant protest activity was reported anywhere in the district on Monday. Heavy police contingents were stationed at important locations, including Aman Chowk in Swabi, Topi, Swabi Interchange and Shiwa Adda in Razaar tehsil. In view of security concerns, containers were also brought to Swabi Interchange, Jahangira Bridge and the Indus River bridge on the M-1 Motorway. Despite these arrangements, the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway and the Grand Trunk Road remained open to traffic. Police sources said raids were conducted at several locations in Shiwa Adda and adjoining areas following reports of the expected arrival of the long march. The action was aimed at arresting PTI workers, but no arrests were reported. Sources said PTI leaders had directed party workers to assemble at the Razaar Sports Complex to make arrangements for the march, prompting police to step up security and surveillance. Some PTI workers and youth wing members gathered at Shiwa Adda ground and Ismaila Interchange in preparation for the march. However, police dispersed some of the workers, and the anticipated mobilisation failed to materialise. Following the imposition of the emergency, the situation at Aman Chowk remained completely normal, with traffic moving smoothly and businesses operating as usual. Police said security measures had been put in place to deal with any eventuality. With no major demonstration reported and the party’s local leadership largely absent, the long march showed little sign of proceeding through Swabi as anticipated. Police vow action against rioters, violence Meanwhile, K-P Police resolved to deal firmly with protest demonstrations, warning that those involved in rioting, vandalism or disrupting law and order would face the full force of the law. Authorities made clear that no damage to government installations, buildings or public property would be tolerated during any protest or disturbance. The public had been advised to stay away from illegal gatherings, violent activities or any form of provocation. Failure to do so would result in the strictest legal action. Police said they would take action against anyone who threatened peace, attacked security forces or buildings, or endangered citizens’ lives and property. Citizens had been urged to remain peaceful, respect the law and avoid being misled by troublemakers. Special security arrangements were being put in place to protect police stations, government buildings, banks, petrol pumps, commercial centres and major highways. All protest activities and police responses would be video-recorded to support any subsequent legal proceedings. To ensure an effective response, the police would maintain close coordination with the district administration and other relevant agencies. Officials emphasised that while peaceful expression of views was a right, violence and lawlessness would not be allowed under any circumstances. Peshawar cantonment sealed Even before the formal imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in K-P, authorities sealed the Cantonment area of Peshawar, bringing commercial activity and traffic to a standstill. Saddar Bazaar and other commercial centres inside the Cantonment remained closed. Containers were placed at key points to seal all access routes into the area. Roads leading to the Provincial Assembly, Mall Road, Khyber Road and the High Court were also blocked. Containers had been brought into the city overnight and positioned at Firdous Chowk, Assembly Chowk, University Road, Pajagi Road, Kohat Road and other approaches to Saddar. The sealing of Cantonment roads also forced the closure of markets in Saddar Bazaar. Traffic movement was suspended, leaving residents facing significant difficulties in daily movement. Read: Emergency, governor's rule imposed in K-P after president signs summary on PM Shehbaz's advice A heavy police contingent was deployed on routes leading to Saddar to handle any protests against the emergency decision. TransPeshawar suspended the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service indefinitely due to the situation, keeping all BRT stations closed and causing hardship for citizens dependent on public transport.

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Governor's rule or emergency?

As the federal government weighs extraordinary constitutional measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid the province's worsening security situation and its confrontation with the Centre over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) long march, three constitutional provisions have moved to the centre of the debate, namely Articles 232, 233 and 234. The provisions deal with distinct questions including when an emergency may be declared, how the failure of constitutional machinery in a province can be addressed and what happens to certain fundamental rights during an emergency. Although the terms "emergency" and "governor's rule" are often used interchangeably in political debate, the Constitution prescribes different legal grounds and procedures for each measure. Article 232: When can an emergency be declared? Article 232 provides the constitutional framework for declaring an emergency in circumstances involving war, external aggression or internal disturbance beyond the control of a provincial government. The provision allows extraordinary powers to be exercised in response to threats to the security of Pakistan or a part of the country, subject to the Constitution's specified conditions and approval requirements.

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