Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing a major bureaucratic reshuffle after the federal government imposed emergency measures and governor’s rule on October 11, 2026. As part of the changes, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan has become the province’s new chief secretary. Meanwhile, several senior officers have been directed to report to the federal Establishment Division.
The KP Chief Secretary Appointment follows the suspension of the provincial government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The move also transfers executive powers to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi under the new administrative arrangement.
Senior KP Bureaucrats Transferred
According to reports published on October 11, the federal government ordered several senior bureaucrats to report to the Establishment Division. The orders took immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
The officers include outgoing Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, a Grade-21 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS). Other Grade-21 officers named in the reported orders are Ikramullah and Ambar Ali Khan. In addition, the list includes Grade-20 officers Shahidullah and Sohail Khan.
The reshuffle also affects five Grade-19 officers. They are Shah Fahad, Mian Adil Iqbal, Muhammad Usman, Sarmad Saleem Akram and Shafiullah Khan. As a result, several senior positions in the provincial administration are undergoing changes.
New Chief Secretary to Lead KP Administration
Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan is a Grade-22 PAS officer. Before his new appointment, he served as secretary of the Power Division in the federal Ministry of Energy. According to reports in Dawn and other Pakistani news outlets, his appointment took effect immediately and will continue until further orders.
The federal government has also placed Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada at the disposal of the KP government. He is a Grade-20 PAS officer who previously served as an additional secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Governor’s Rule Changes Provincial Administration
The reshuffle follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of emergency measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. The president approved the measures on the federal cabinet’s advice.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the provincial government’s executive powers had been transferred to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. An 11-member advisory council will assist the governor under the new arrangement.
The federal government cited security concerns and alleged weaknesses in the provincial administration’s counterterrorism efforts to justify its decision. However, PTI has rejected the move. The party argues that it undermines the province’s elected leadership and autonomy.
The new administrative setup is expected to affect how provincial departments operate. Meanwhile, officials will need to maintain public services and clarify responsibilities as the new leadership takes charge.
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