Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday called for greater political ownership of the fight against terrorism, acknowledging that a lack of support for security forces had undermined previous counterterrorism efforts. During a presentation at the Governor House by Adviser for Home and Tribal Affairs Kifayatullah Khan and Home Secretary Amjad Ali Khan, the provincial government announced a new plan to strengthen the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
The proposed plan includes an allocation of Rs59.8b for the police and Rs10.3b for the CTD. The government aims to use these funds to improve security infrastructure, provide modern equipment, and address staffing shortages. Kundi told journalists that security is the first, second, and third priority of the government, echoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's previous statements. He noted that while development is necessary, the best development is to strengthen the police.
Kundi stated that the provincial government would provide the police with weapons, ammunition, and other resources for frontline operations. The government has also approved compensation packages for police personnel killed in the line of duty and is working on improving other benefits. The presentation outlined targets to reduce manpower shortfalls, improve surveillance, and expand the CTD’s presence. Officials stated the government intends to complete immediate measures within 100 days, with further targets to be achieved within 180 days.
Addressing the briefing, Kundi said a lack of political ownership was a major shortcoming in the province’s previous approach, noting there was a time when the response was that this was not our war. He asked what families of martyrs would say, questioning if their loved ones sacrificed their lives for a particular agenda. Kundi asserted that the provincial government would stand alongside security forces.
Kundi recalled convening an Apex Committee meeting on the government's first working day, which he described as the largest such meeting in Pakistan’s history in Peshawar. Attended by the prime minister, federal ministers, the field marshal, and senior security officials, the meeting resulted in the provincial government presenting requirements, including a request for Rs160b, which PM Shehbaz agreed to support. Kundi added that coordination with the federal government has improved.
