The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is facing mounting criticism for prioritising political theatrics over public safety, as civil society groups, frontline officers, and local observers warn that political point scoring under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s leadership continues to compromise the province’s security. Critics say PTI’s focus on agitation in Islamabad and party directives has left crucial governance and counter-terror operations neglected.
The provincial administration’s mismanagement is evident in repeated failures to provide essential resources to security forces. Despite CM Afridi’s promises of bulletproof vehicles, modern weapons, and anti-drone systems, federal equipment previously supplied was returned, leaving police officers vulnerable at the front lines. Hundreds of billions allocated for anti-terror efforts remain unaccounted for, while several districts operate with minimal police presence and outdated infrastructure.
Adding to the pressure, the People’s Labour Bureau staged a protest over a recent attack on the Assistant Commissioner Miranshah, Shah Wali Khan Shaheed, describing it as a stark reminder of administrative negligence. Protesters demanded immediate, organised action and criticised the provincial government for turning security crises into political theatre. They said KP’s rulers cannot treat the release of a single party leader as an ultimate solution to a widespread terrorism threat.
Observers highlight the province’s ongoing reliance on directives from PTI leadership, including those issued from imprisonment, as evidence of distorted governance. Afridi’s public claims of zero tolerance for corruption and performance-based administration are undermined by the lack of transparency in security spending and the continuing absence of protective measures for police officers.
Civil society groups and analysts emphasised that the only viable strategy is coordination with the federal government and a united approach against militancy. They warned that political distractions continue to give militants breathing space, endangering both security personnel and civilian populations. The KP government was urged to focus urgently on strengthening law enforcement, ensuring frontline protection, and restoring public trust, rather than pursuing political agendas that fail to address the province’s real challenges.
The warning from the People’s Labour Bureau and other civic voices reflects broader concerns across KP: until political point scoring ends and the provincial administration prioritises security, governance, and accountability, the province remains exposed to an escalating threat that requires immediate and decisive action.
