PESHAWAR: In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government undertook a comprehensive review of the province’s law and order situation, focusing on addressing emerging security challenges and reinforcing public safety measures.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from various security departments, was convened to assess the current security environment, evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts, and formulate a forward-looking strategy to combat terrorism and other criminal activities.
Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to law and order, Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that no compromise would be made in ensuring the safety of citizens. He highlighted that the protection of life and property remains the foremost priority of the provincial administration, stressing the government’s unwavering resolve to support security forces at all levels.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the police force, the Counter Terrorism Department, and the Special Branch, noting that their dedication continues to be a source of national pride. He also acknowledged the recent rise in terrorist activities and called for more robust, coordinated responses to ensure effective counterterrorism efforts.
“We must rely on our institutional strength and collective resolve to address the prevailing challenges,” Afridi stated, adding that the province’s security forces are confronting terrorism on the frontlines and would receive all necessary operational and logistical support to enhance their capabilities.
A key decision taken during the meeting was to formally declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a “hard area,” with the matter to be raised with the federal government for formal recognition. This move aims to secure additional resources and attention for the province’s security challenges.
In a bid to strengthen the law enforcement apparatus, the Chief Minister instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the recruitment process, with over 9,000 vacant posts in the police department set to be filled before Eid. Additionally, Rs. 15.1 billion have been allocated for procurement to enhance the police force’s operational capacity.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Safe City initiative, with the Peshawar project set to be inaugurated soon. Safe City projects in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are expected to be completed by March, while plans for similar projects in Karak, Tank, and North Waziristan are also underway. Integration of various departmental databases and surveillance systems, including those of the Excise Department and the Bus Rapid Transit system, is part of a broader effort to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and improve real-time monitoring of urban security.
Chief Minister Afridi also directed the formulation of a formal policy to provide artificial limbs to security personnel injured in acts of terrorism, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those who risk their lives in the line of duty.
