Peshawar: Containers blocked major roads, BRT stations remained closed and communication services were disrupted across Peshawar on Sunday as emergency and governor’s rule took effect in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to account from the city, residents faced restricted movement and repeated diversions, with heavy police deployment around government buildings and key intersections.
GT Road was blocked at Firdous Chowk, where only pedestrians were allowed through. Containers and a closed security gate also prevented access to Khyber Road near the Provincial Assembly.
Restrictions extended to roads around the central jail and MPA Hostel. Police directed pedestrians towards Shoba Bazaar, while Jail Pul, connecting Sher Shah Suri Road with Khyber Bazaar, was also closed.
Security checks were in place on Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Road near the governor’s and chief minister’s residences. An armoured personnel carrier, a prison van and a vehicle carrying riot police were seen moving towards Chief Minister House.
A further barricade near Army Stadium restricted passage along Khyber Road. Dawn’s reporter described difficulty crossing the area and contacting officials because mobile services were unavailable.
BRT stations remained shut despite buses ordinarily beginning operations early in the morning. The city had experienced another mobile service blackout lasting nearly 48 hours just days earlier during PTI’s protest march.
Elsewhere, containers at Stadium Chowk reduced vehicles to a single line in each direction. Arbab Road was also obstructed, while Saddar Bazaar remained partially open and traffic near Amn Chowk was light.
Internet connectivity was disrupted in the afternoon, further limiting communication.
The account illustrates the immediate effect of the political intervention on everyday movement: familiar routes became inaccessible, public transport stopped and residents had fewer ways to coordinate journeys.
