October 13, 2026 — The PTI long march planned through Swabi did not materialise on Monday, and the Islamabad Motorway, GT Road and roads in Peshawar and Swabi were open with normal traffic. Protests against governor’s rule broke out in Khyber district, where police used tear gas.
What changed
- March fizzles: The Express Tribune reports that the PTI march led by former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister Sohail Afridi failed to gather in Swabi on Monday, October 12, after the federal government imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
- Roads open: Authorities kept all roads in Swabi open, and the Islamabad Motorway, GT Road and Peshawar roads had routine traffic, according to the Tribune.
- Khyber protests: Protests broke out in Jamrud and Bara. Police in Bara used baton charges, tear gas and aerial firing. More than 180 PTI workers have been arrested across the province.
- Still in force: A seven-day ban on gatherings (Section 144) in Peshawar, reported by Dawn on October 12. A one-month pillion-riding ban runs in Tank until November 9.
What it means for airline travelers
- Road travel between Islamabad and Peshawar was running normally on Monday, but the situation can change quickly. Check local news before setting off.
- Avoid protests and large gatherings, especially in Khyber district and Peshawar, and carry ID at checkpoints.
- Allow extra time to reach Peshawar’s airport in case of sudden roadblocks.
- Register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- The Express Tribune — Khyber rises in protest as PTI march flops in Swabi
- Dawn — What’s the situation across KP on Day 1 of governor’s rule?
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