The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has released additional billions of rupees to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), accelerate its reorganization, and expand its operational footprint across the province as part of broader efforts to combat terrorism and maintain long-term peace and stability.
The latest funding package is aimed at transforming the CTD into a more capable and technologically advanced force amid persistent security challenges in the province, where terrorist violence has remained a major concern in recent years.
Officials said the initiative has been pursued under the special focus and sustained efforts of Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, who has overseen a series of reforms designed to enhance the department’s operational effectiveness and preparedness against evolving terrorist threats.
According to official figures, more than Rs7.77 billion has been approved to strengthen the CTD’s logistical and operational capabilities, of which over Rs7.05 billion has already been released.
The funding has enabled the procurement of single- and double-cabin vehicles, bulletproof vehicles, armored personnel carriers (APCs), motorcycles, modern sniper rifles, assault rifles, submachine guns, pistols, and large quantities of ammunition.
Authorities said the department has also been equipped with advanced technological systems, including modern locators, jammers, surveillance drones, anti-drone guns, bulletproof jackets, ballistic helmets, wireless communication systems, thermal devices, and specialized equipment for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams.
In a parallel move aimed at institutional expansion, the provincial government has earmarked Rs6.44 billion to extend the CTD’s presence to all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and strengthen the department’s structure at the grassroots level.
Officials confirmed that suitable government land has already been identified in the relevant districts and that consultants have been appointed for the project. Construction work is expected to begin following the completion of the contractor selection process.
Meanwhile, Rs310.4 million has been approved for the expansion and capacity enhancement of the CTD’s provincial headquarters in Peshawar.
According to officials, the tender process has already been initiated, while the appointment of consultants and contractors is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
Additional IG CTD said work on the expansion of district offices and the provincial headquarters is progressing rapidly and that the remaining funds are expected to be released during the next fiscal year.
Security experts view the investment as part of a wider effort to enhance the province’s counterterrorism architecture at a time when security forces and law enforcement agencies continue operations against terrorist networks seeking to destabilize the region.
Officials maintain that strengthening the CTD’s operational reach, technological capabilities, and infrastructure will improve intelligence collection, response times, and coordination in counterterrorism operations, contributing to the broader objective of eliminating terrorism and ensuring durable peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
