Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been a front-line province for decades, standing at the crossroads of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has borne the brunt of terrorism, extremism, and cross-border insurgency for over 40 years. The province’s strategic location means that security challenges are intense and persistent. However, despite the constant threats, there has been a glaring lack of investment in the law enforcement infrastructure and the capacity of police forces here.
Recent terrorist attacks, including attempts on prominent political figures such as Maulana Aziz, son of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, highlight the precarious security situation. These attacks underscore the persistent danger from groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and foreign terrorist elements, including the Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP), which has been targeting religious communities, particularly the JUI-F. The fact that multiple attacks on political leaders and gatherings have been attempted indicates not only the severity of the threat but also gaps in effective protective measures.
The police force in KP is the front-line in this war against terrorism and crime, yet it remains severely under-equipped, underpaid, and demoralised. In key districts like Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat, areas that border volatile tribal regions and Afghanistan, police stations often lack even the most basic infrastructure. The newly merged districts (NMDs) do not have proper police buildings or offices for senior officers, leaving the force without a stable base to operate from. Check posts are rare or rudimentary, with officers sometimes confined to makeshift huts, vulnerable in hostile environments surrounded by open terrain and mountains. Such conditions make it nearly impossible for police to maintain a robust presence or effectively deter terrorist movements.
Furthermore, the equipment provided to the police is outdated. While terrorists employ night vision goggles, thermal imaging, and sophisticated firearms, often American-made, the police are armed with old weapons like AK-47s and have unreliable communication systems that were obsolete even before installation. The wireless networks for coordination and intelligence sharing are insufficient, hindering timely responses to threats. Although there have been announcements of funds allocated for modernising police equipment, such as the 3.6 billion rupees earmarked for this purpose, these measures fall short of what is necessary given the scale of the threat.
The remuneration and morale of police personnel compound these issues. Salaries in KP are reported to be 40-50% lower than in Punjab, discouraging officers from staying in the province. Many senior officers seek transfers to Islamabad or other regions with better pay and working conditions. This results in lower-ranked officers being placed in positions of high responsibility without adequate experience or motivation. It’s unrealistic to expect a police force to willingly risk their lives without proper support, equipment, and recognition.
The provincial government’s commitment to addressing these issues appears insufficient. Despite the province’s significance as a frontline region, investment priorities do not align with the urgent needs of law enforcement agencies. Infrastructure development is patchy at best, and the necessary focus on upgrading police capabilities is missing. While the federal government has committed funds toward improving police stations and infrastructure in the newly merged districts, a coordinated and robust approach by the provincial authorities is crucial. Law enforcement cannot be effective if they lack stable bases, sufficient resources, and modern weaponry.
This is not just a security problem but also a governance and development issue. Security and development are intrinsically linked, without peace and order, economic activities such as mineral exploration, tourism, and trade cannot flourish in KP and its tribal areas. Despite the province’s rich natural resources, insecurity deters investors and limits economic progress. Development plans must therefore prioritise law and order as a foundation.
Moreover, the lack of development in education, road infrastructure, employment opportunities, and communication networks in rural and newly merged areas feeds into the cycle of instability. Youth in these areas are vulnerable to radicalization when there is no hope for a better future. Improving governance, expanding education, and creating job opportunities are vital components of a long-term solution to security challenges.
Coordination between the provincial and federal governments is essential. All security and administrative agencies must work in unison, sharing resources, intelligence, and strategies to counter terrorism effectively. The recent jirga in Peshawar, held in the presence of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, acknowledged the province’s financial constraints and the need for sustained funding from mechanisms like the NFC award and net hydel profit to combat terrorism. Yet, implementation remains the key challenge.
The police force, being the visible and most accessible arm of law enforcement, bears the brunt of attacks. Their sacrifices are immense, often overshadowed by lack of support. It is imperative that their capacity is enhanced not just by providing weapons and equipment but through continuous training, better facilities, and improved salaries comparable to other provinces like Punjab and Balochistan.
Without a motivated, well-equipped, and adequately compensated police force, it is difficult to expect control over law and order in KP. The provincial leadership, including the Chief Minister and Governor, both hailing from the troubled district of Dera Ismail Khan themselves, must take urgent and decisive action. Their political influence should translate into tangible improvements in security infrastructure and services in their home regions.
Finally, security efforts must go hand in hand with broader development initiatives. Law enforcement alone cannot eliminate terrorism if underlying socio-economic issues remain unaddressed. Comprehensive strategies that include investment in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and employment generation will build resilience against extremist ideologies and bring lasting peace to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
And, in the final analysis, peace in KP is not just a provincial concern, it is a national imperative. The minerals, the tourism potential, and the geostrategic importance of the province cannot be unlocked without a robust, well-equipped, and respected security force backed by civilian governance. If we continue to ignore KP’s plight, we risk losing not only ground but the trust of the very people who have sacrificed the most in the war against terror.
The cost of inaction is too great. The time for symbolic statements has passed. What KP needs now is action-decisive, coordinated, and courageous.
