ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): A crucial meeting of theCabinet Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, has begun to review the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to sources.
Two special security reports, prepared by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and sensitive agencies, are expected to be presented at the meeting. The reports reportedly highlight a sharp rise in terrorist incidents, gaps in law enforcement capacity and concerns over the provincial government’s preparedness to tackle evolving security threats.
According to the reports, terrorism-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased by 195% between March 1, 2024, and September 23, 2026. Police and security personnel were reportedly targeted in 73% of terrorist attacks recorded in 2026.
Drone and IED Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The reports also point to an increase in the use of drones by terrorist groups. While no drone attacks targeting police or security agencies were reported in 2024, the number reportedly reached 170 in 2026. The report further cites a rise of approximately 107% in drone attacks within a year.
Explosive-based attacks remain another major concern. According to the reports, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks reached 181 in 2025, while 159 incidents had been recorded by September 2026.
The reports identify cross-border threats from militant elements in Afghanistan, local facilitation networks and links between terrorist groups and illicit activities as factors contributing to the security challenge.
Police and CTD Face Resource Shortages
The reports highlight significant capacity gaps within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), including more than 9,000 vacant police positions.
They also cite shortages of modern weapons, operational equipment, armoured vehicles, surveillance systems, night-vision devices and thermal imaging equipment. Police in the merged districts reportedly face additional challenges related to training, resources and operational capacity.
The CTD is also said to be facing a shortage of specially trained personnel and inadequate district-level offices and operational facilities, forcing it to rely on regular police personnel for manpower.
Safe City Project and Counterterrorism Preparedness Under Review
The reports reportedly note that the Safe City project, originally intended to cover the entire province, remains limited to Peshawar.
They stress the need to strengthen police and law enforcement agencies through modern equipment, specialised training, improved intelligence capabilities and upgraded counterterrorism infrastructure.
Sources said the Cabinet Committee expressed serious concern over rising terrorist incidents, institutional weaknesses and the overall governance and security situation in the province. The meeting is expected to examine gaps in provincial preparedness, counterterrorism measures and responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation.
The claims and figures cited in this report are based on information attributed to sources and the reported contents of the security assessments; independent verification was not available.
