By Khalid Khan
In an interview with a private television channel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that military operations are ineffective and there was no need for Pak-Afghan border fencing.
According to him, past military operations failed since terrorists have re-emerged in these areas, and despite billions being spent on border fencing, security remains fragile. He did not mention in the interview who invited and resettled terrorists in Pakistan and turned the table in favour of terrorists. Everybody remembers that it was former Prime Minister Imran Khan who resettled terrorists in Pakistan on the advice of the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan started losing the war that it won during the 2014-2018 military operations.
However, the truth is that all military operations conducted to eradicate terrorism in the country followed the “clear, hold, build, transfer” strategy. The military successfully executed the “clear” and “hold” phases, liberating 46,978 square kilometers from terrorist control and dismantling their networks. Yet, the “build” and “transfer” phases—entrusted to local and provincial governments—proved inadequate, creating a governance vacuum that enabled terrorist factions to regroup. Since PTI was ruling the province and it had wonderful political relations with the then establishment therefore nobody gave heed that PTI’s provincial government was failing in the “build” and “transfer” phases.
Ironically, during PTI’s tenure, several detained terrorists were released under reconciliation policies, many of whom rejoined militant groups. Simultaneously, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) failed to take effective measures. Presently, CTD personnel in the province number only 537—drastically below the required strength.
According to official data spreading over 15 years, since 2010-11, the KP has received PKR 561.4 billion under the War on Terror (WoT) fund, including PKR 108 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Under the NFC Award, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received PKR 4,786 billion since 2010-11, with PKR 903 billion allocated for 2024-25. Additionally, PKR 115.5 billion was provided under the Annual Development Plan (ADP), along with PKR 147.6 billion under the Accelerated Implementation Plan. Despite these substantial allocations, the provincial government’s poor strategic planning has rendered these funds ineffective in security and development projects.
The Chief Minister’s assertions regarding border security also contradict ground realities. As of now, 98% of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border fencing is complete (98.95% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 96.65% in Balochistan), while 91% of the Pakistan-Iran border fencing has been completed. Moreover, 78% of border forts along the western frontier have been constructed; 92% on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and 40% on the Pakistan-Iran border. These milestones have been achieved through the immense sacrifices of security personnel, who have laid down their lives while securing the border.
One of the primary reasons for cross-border terrorism is the failure of local administrations to dismantle terrorist networks and curb illegal activities. Additionally, the Afghan government’s lack of cooperation exacerbates the situation. While Pakistan has established 1,452 border checkpoints, Afghanistan has set up only 267, leaving significant gaps. Concrete evidence suggests Afghan authorities facilitate illegal movement and provide sanctuary to terrorist elements.
Relentless counter-terrorism operations continue. In 2024 alone, 59,775 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted, with 11,654 operations already executed in 2025. Approximately 72% of former tribal regions have been cleared of landmines and explosive devices. During the 2024-25 period, 536 security personnel have been martyred, while 1,250 terrorists have been eliminated. More than 180 IBOs are being carried out daily to uphold national security and maintain peace.
Whether the Chief Minister’s statements are mere rhetoric or grounded in reality is for the public to decide. However, one truth remains unshaken: while the burden of the war on terror is borne by the security forces and the people, governance failures have created a void that security institutions must fill—at the cost of their blood, every single day.
