Monitoring Desk: Serious questions have been raised over the performance of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amid allegations of negligence, inadequate resources, staff shortages and weak operational preparedness in the provincial police force, which remains on the front lines of the fight against terrorism, report several social media accounts.
According to details provided regarding the force’s operational capacity, the provincial Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), despite comprising more than 3,300 personnel, has access to only 17 bulletproof vehicles. The figures also indicate that only 25 CTD employees hold permanent positions, while the remaining personnel work on temporary contracts.
The provincial police force is reportedly facing a shortage of 9,000 personnel, while more than 13,000 police officers from a total force of 125,000 are deployed for VIP security and protocol duties. The condition of the force’s armoured vehicles has also emerged as a concern, with allegations that outdated vehicles have not been upgraded to meet the requirements of modern counterterrorism operations.
The provincial government’s allocation and release of funds for security infrastructure have also come under scrutiny. The police had reportedly sought Rs42 billion to strengthen sensitive check-posts, but the provincial government released only Rs1.2 billion, raising questions about the adequacy of funding for security installations operating in a terrorism-affected province.
Concerns have also been expressed over the utilisation of funds allocated to the CTD. Of the Rs844 million budget reportedly allocated to the department, only Rs311.8 million was utilised, indicating a significant gap between the approved allocation and actual expenditure.
The slow pace of procurement of modern forensic equipment and drones has further raised concerns about the department’s ability to strengthen intelligence-led operations, evidence collection and surveillance against terrorist networks.
The allegations also point to questions regarding the allocation of resources intended to maintain law and order in tribal districts and merged areas, with claims that security resources have been diverted towards political interests. These allegations have intensified criticism of the provincial government’s priorities at a time when law enforcement agencies face persistent security challenges.
Professional training and operational preparedness have also emerged as areas of concern. Between January and August 2025, only 59 CTD personnel reportedly received training, highlighting questions about the pace of capacity-building within the specialised counterterrorism force.
خیبرپختونخواپولیس بدحالی کا شکار،صوبائی حکومت کی ترجیحات پرسنگین سوالات ۔۔۔۔
سیاسی احتجاج اور دھرنوں میں مصروف خیبرپختونخواحکومت نے دہشتگردی سے نبردآزما پولیس کومکمل نظراندازکررکھا ہے
دہشتگردی کی شکار خیبرپختونخوا کی پولیس بنیادی وسائل اور جدید آلات سے محروم ہے
خیبرپختونخوا پولیس کے تھانے اورچوکیاں وسائل کی کمی اورحکومتی عدم توجہی کی تصویر بن گئیں
دہشتگردی سے لڑنے والی پولیس جدید اسلحے، ضروری آلات اور بلٹ پروف گاڑیوں کی منتظر ہے
خیبرپختونخواپولیس صوبائی حکومت کی بے حسی کی قیمت اپنے خون سے ادا کرنے پرمجبورہے ۔۔۔۔
— Gharidah Farooqi (T.I.) (@GFarooqi) October 8, 2026
Meanwhile, although Rs1,776.5 million was reportedly approved for the training of the Levies force, concerns remain over the availability of essential weapons and equipment required for field operations. The reported disparity between training allocations and operational preparedness has raised questions about the effective utilisation of public funds and the practical readiness of personnel deployed in the field.
The reported shortcomings have fuelled criticism of the PTI-led provincial government’s handling of police administration and counterterrorism preparedness. Critics argue that staff shortages, inadequate protective vehicles, limited training and delays in acquiring modern equipment could undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies confronting terrorism. With Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continuing to face serious security challenges, the issues surrounding police resources, financial management and operational readiness have placed renewed focus on the provincial government’s responsibility to strengthen the force, ensure transparent utilisation of security funds and provide personnel with the equipment and training required to perform their duties.
