October 12, 2026 — A day after Pakistan imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the opposition PTI party’s march on Islamabad stalled in Swabi, where mobile phone and internet service were cut. Roads into the capital were blocked with shipping containers at several points.
What changed
- Emergency rule: Declared on October 11 for an initial six months, according to Law Minister Tarar (Al Jazeera). PTI says the province’s chief minister was arrested; officials had not confirmed this in early reports.
- Roads: Containers were placed at the Swabi Interchange, Jehangira Bridge and the Indus bridge on the M-1, though the Peshawar–Islamabad Motorway and the GT Road stayed open, the Express Tribune reported early Monday. Routes into Islamabad had earlier been blocked with containers.
- Communications: Mobile phone and fixed-line internet service were suspended in Swabi.
- Arrests: 59 people were arrested in Swabi and six in Khyber district. PTI says the march has not been called off.
What it means for airline travelers
- Allow extra time for any road journey between Peshawar and Islamabad, including to Islamabad International Airport, and expect container roadblocks to appear with little warning.
- Phone and internet cuts can leave you unable to check flight status or call a ride. Download maps and booking details before travelling in the region.
- Avoid rallies and police lines, and register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- Al Jazeera — Pakistan imposes emergency rule in province governed by Imran Khan’s party
- The Express Tribune — PTI march fizzles out after K-P emergency, arrests
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