By Junaid Qaiser
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot afford another prolonged period in which political confrontation overshadows the urgent task of protecting its people. After years of militant violence, economic disruption and immense sacrifices by police officers, soldiers and civilians, the province needs a coordinated strategy that puts security, effective governance and development ahead of political rivalry.
The latest meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, co-chaired by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, offers an opportunity to move in that direction. Following the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule, the federal and provincial administrations have pledged coordinated action against terrorism, stronger police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) capabilities, and accelerated development in affected districts.
The central message is clear: Pakistan cannot effectively combat terrorism when its institutions work at cross-purposes. Security demands consistent coordination, shared intelligence, adequate resources and political leadership willing to place public safety above partisan interests.
Governor Kundi’s declaration that policies concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would come from Islamabad rather than Kabul reflects the government’s emphasis on national sovereignty and concerns about cross-border militancy. The priority now is to translate that position into practical measures that protect citizens and restore public confidence.
One of the most important decisions is to strengthen the provincial police and CTD with modern weapons, armoured vehicles, additional personnel and operational resources. The transfer of 10 armoured vehicles from Islamabad Police to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents a practical contribution to that effort.
Police officers operating in high-risk districts cannot be expected to confront heavily armed militant groups without appropriate equipment, training and intelligence support. Their families also deserve recognition and assistance. Governor Kundi has called for consideration of improved police salaries and compensation for the families of personnel killed in the line of duty.
Interior Minister Naqvi has stressed that security forces cannot carry the burden of counterterrorism alone. The government must provide the resources and direction required to sustain operations. Better equipment, professional training, effective investigations and reliable intelligence must form part of a broader strategy to dismantle militant networks and prevent their resurgence.
The sacrifices of Pakistan’s security personnel demand more than official tributes. They require policies that improve their ability to protect the public and ensure that those who serve on the front lines are not left without institutional support.
The establishment of an Area Development Secretariat for 12 designated districts is another significant element of the new arrangement. These areas, including the merged tribal districts, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, require sustained attention to their security and development needs.
Naqvi has called for substantially greater financial allocations to affected areas, proposing that three rupees should be spent there for every rupee allocated to the rest of the province. The proposal recognises that communities bearing a disproportionate security burden need additional investment to rebuild infrastructure, restore services and revive economic activity.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has considerable potential in tourism, agriculture, energy and natural resources. Persistent insecurity prevents the province from fully exploiting these opportunities. Lasting peace could attract investment, support local businesses and create jobs for young people.
Security and development are therefore inseparable. Operations against militants can restore immediate order, but prosperity and effective public services help sustain stability over the long term.
The government’s emphasis on consulting tribal communities is welcome. Residents of affected districts understand the problems confronting their areas and should have a meaningful role in identifying priorities and shaping solutions.
Tribal elders, local representatives, religious scholars, teachers and business leaders can help authorities address grievances, strengthen cooperation and counter extremist recruitment. Public consultation must lead to practical action rather than remain a formality.
At the same time, security measures must be implemented lawfully and fairly. The fight against terrorism requires firm action against those responsible for violence, alongside protection for innocent citizens and respect for due process. Public confidence is essential to effective counterterrorism, and communities must be treated as partners in restoring peace.
The federal government has defended the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule as necessary responses to the province’s security crisis. The new administrative arrangement now carries the responsibility of demonstrating that it can improve security and governance.
The Advisory Council and Area Development Secretariat should work towards measurable objectives: stronger policing, better coordination between institutions, improved public services and accelerated development in vulnerable districts.
Naqvi has cautioned that not everything will change in a single day. That is a realistic assessment. Years of insecurity and administrative difficulties cannot be resolved overnight. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s struggle against terrorism is a national challenge. Its people have made enormous sacrifices, and they deserve a government that provides security, economic opportunity and confidence in the future.
