DND News Report: A 35-minute-long Urdu language documentary available in social media examining the security and governance situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has raised serious questions over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government’s policies, administrative performance and response to the resurgence of terrorism in the province.
It also indicates that PTI since its formation believes in dividing society into groups and pitching groups against state institutions and such conduct of the party is surely harming the country in different ways.
Documentary indicates PTI policies and leaders’ opposition to military operations created conditions for TTP resurgence as the decade-plus rule of PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a period marked by deteriorating governance, weakening administrative capacity, unchecked illegal activities and growing security challenges. It builds up the narrative that political narratives built up by PTI against state institutions have contributed to confusion among the public and have hindered efforts to effectively confront terrorism.
The security situation presented in the documentary is particularly alarming. It says that more than 6,200 terrorist incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two years, resulting in the martyrdom of more than 1,180 people, including security personnel, law-enforcement officials and civilians.
According to the documentary, terrorism gained significant ground during the PTI’s tenure as weaknesses in the provincial governance and security system created an environment conducive to the regrouping and organization of terrorist elements. It cites that Rs200 billion in development funds were misappropriated while the provincial police remained severely short of resources and personnel.
The documentary states that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had only 17 bulletproof vehicles and 25 permanent staff members despite the province facing a serious terrorism threat. It further said that the police force was short of approximately 17,000 personnel, while around 13,500 officers had been deployed for security and protocol duties of the political elite.
The documentary also indicates that development and construction projects were used as a cover for financial irregularities, with several projects existing only on paper while funds were allegedly diverted through kickbacks.
It further highlights the allocation of security funds, stating that the Inspector General of Police had sought Rs42 billion in emergency funding for night-vision equipment, modern weapons and bulletproof checkpoints. The amount, however, was allegedly reduced by the provincial government to Rs14 billion. The documentary contrasts the shortage of resources for police and security personnel with the availability of provincial resources for political rallies and marches on Islamabad.
Security forces and law-enforcement agencies, according to the documentary, neutralized more than 2,370 terrorists during counter-terrorism operations. It also states that 37 suicide attacks occurred in the province during the same period and that Afghan nationals were among those killed in 14 suicide attacks this year.
The documentary features comments from residents of Peshawar, Bannu, Batkhela, Dir and Malakand, who express concerns over the deteriorating security situation and demand greater protection, resources and modern equipment for police and other law-enforcement personnel.
One resident from Bannu criticizes political leaders for focusing on protests while the people continue to suffer from terrorism.
Another citizen calls for the police and Levies forces to receive equal benefits and recognition for personnel killed while performing their duties on the front lines.
The documentary also focuses on the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), stating that Pakistan introduced a revised NAP in 2021 to address terrorism and extremism through operational measures as well as reforms in law enforcement, criminal justice and other non-military areas.
Documentary says that 13 of the plan’s 14 points have not been implemented, describing this as evidence of the provincial government’s alleged lack of seriousness toward counterterrorism and governance reforms.
The Army version in the documentary argues that greater attention should have been given to strengthening the CTD, improving law and order, reforming the criminal justice system, developing a coherent counter-terrorism narrative and addressing the presence of illegal foreign nationals. The documentary argues that the neglect of terrorism-affected districts has weakened the state’s writ and created opportunities for terrorist organizations to establish safe havens and recruitment networks.
It further alleges that factions of Fitna-tul-Khawarij (TTP) have been able to operate in the province amid political opposition to military operations. Several statements by PTI leaders and provincial officials are cited in the documentary in which they oppose military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Among the statements presented are assertions that the provincial government does not accept military operations and that operations should not be allowed in areas including Bajaur, Mohmand and Tirah.
A PTI leader is also quoted as describing terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as “manufactured” and questioning the manner in which peace is being pursued.
The documentary argues that such opposition to counter-terrorism operations can undermine institutions responsible for national defence and demoralize security personnel fighting terrorism.
It also questions the PTI leadership’s calls for dialogue and negotiations with the Afghan Taliban regime, particularly following drone attacks originating from Afghan territory in mountainous areas near Torkham and Kohat.
According to the documentary, continued calls for negotiations with the Afghan Taliban disregard the sacrifices of Pakistani security personnel and civilians killed in terrorist attacks undermine the sacrifices given by martyrs.
Another issue highlighted is the absence of senior provincial political leadership from the funeral prayers of terrorism victims.
Residents interviewed in the documentary criticize Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the provincial government for failing to attend funeral prayers and provide support to families of those killed in terrorist attacks.
One Peshawar resident calls for the chief minister’s resignation, saying that CM has failed to govern the province effectively. Another resident says the provincial government has failed while terrorist attacks and bomb blasts have become increasingly frequent.
The documentary concludes by highlighting the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir is cited as stating that the Pakistan Army is fighting Fitna-tul-Khawarij, describing the militants as deviants who have adopted a distorted interpretation of Islam that is not sanctioned by the religion.
The documentary ultimately presents the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as being closely linked to weaknesses in governance, inadequate implementation of the National Action Plan, political opposition to counter-terrorism operations and reluctance by the provincial leadership to fully support security institutions.
Documentary build the case that PTI and TTP follow similar agenda for building hate against state institutions among public.
It argues that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who have borne the brunt of terrorism, require effective governance, strengthened law-enforcement institutions and sustained efforts to restore peace and the writ of the state.
پی ٹی آئی اور دہشتگردوں کا اتحاد
خیبر پختونخوا میں پی ٹی آئی دورِ حکومت کی گورننس دہشتگردی اور قومی سلامتی سے متعلق اہم انکشافات پر مبنی دستاویزی فلم
بہت اہم انکشافات https://t.co/xHmh500OME
— Noman Khan (@dtnoorkhan) October 4, 2026
