KP entrusts security transition to civilian forces

PESHAWAR:

A high-level meeting on security services in Peshawar on Tuesday laid out a road map for the transfer of law and order responsibilities from the military to civilian authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marking a pivotal moment in the province’s long struggle to restore stability.

The session reviewed the overall security landscape and concluded that in areas, including Malakand, where peace is improving, operational control would be handed over to the police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and provincial law enforcement authorities.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, federal officials and senior civilian and military leaders at the meeting, which also discussed the economic fallout of counter-terrorism operations and long-standing financial pressures on the province.

Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan, Financial Advisor Muzammil Aslam and Justice Minister Aftab Alam then briefed the media. They said the meeting made “important decisions” on both security and the economy.

“In Malakand, powers are being transferred to the police, CTD and provincial law enforcement agencies,” Jan said, adding that the same process would be followed in other districts once the anti-terrorism operations were over and the situation stabilized.

They described the peacemaking as a collective success, calling it a “major achievement of the provincial government, civil administration and military leadership” and said the transition reflected a clear vote of confidence in the KP police.

To consolidate the gains on the ground, authorities plan to organize a meeting of stakeholders from political and religious parties alongside tribal elders, with the aim of reaching a broader consensus and ensuring community support for the next phase of stabilization.

Beyond security, the meeting also touched on financial issues, with Aslam providing a detailed account of the province’s fiscal challenges, including persistent funding shortfalls that have complicated governance in the merged tribal districts.

He said the province’s difficulties had once again been put before the Prime Minister, saying “if KP receives its rightful share under the NFC (National Finance Commission) award, several major financial problems could be resolved.”

Read: Center, KP plug gaps in funds of merged districts

Despite reduced federal allocations, the province continued to fulfill its responsibilities in the merged districts, meeting participants noted, warning that existing resources remained insufficient and new proposals were in the works to address looming budget pressures.

It was agreed that the provincial recommendations would be formally considered by the federal government, with both parties pledging to work together to secure “the maximum possible financial assistance” for KP in the coming months.

The impact of operations on livelihoods was also highlighted, particularly market closures which disrupted trade in affected areas, giving rise to assurances of alternative trade arrangements and new employment opportunities for displaced workers.

Officials said the federal and provincial governments would jointly compensate the financial losses suffered by affected communities, reiterating their commitments to support reconstruction while security operations gradually end.

Alam termed the results “important and historic decisions”, noting that a consensus was reached in the presence of the chief minister on the transfer of responsibilities in Malakand division to civilian law enforcement agencies.

“The process underlines institutional trust,” he said, calling it “a clear demonstration of trust in the KP Police”.

He reaffirmed coordination between civil and military authorities to safeguard fragile gains.

Cricket unexpectedly entered the discussion when provincial officials pointed out that Peshawar had been neglected for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international matches, a grievance long expressed by fans across the province.

Responding on the spot, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), assured the participants that the HBL PSL matches scheduled this year would be held in Peshawar.

Jan termed the announcement “good news for cricket fans in Peshawar and KP”, confirming that the HBL PSL Trophy roadshows would also tour several cities in the province, providing a symbolic boost to morale.

Looking ahead, civilian and military leaders committed to implementing recommendations from political and religious actors and tribal elders, viewing community engagement as essential to sustaining peace beyond security transfer.

The meeting participants further agreed that the decisions taken at the Provincial Supreme Committee would be ensured before the meeting of the National Supreme Committee, where the provincial resolutions will be officially ratified.

Naqvi meets Governor Kundi

Naqvi also met KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to discuss the law and order and security situation in the province.

Naqvi said the federal and provincial governments would jointly ensure the establishment of lasting peace in the province and the elimination of terrorism.

Kundi also welcomed the decision to hold PSL matches in Peshawar, saying he had raised the issue with the PCB several times.

“The decision to hold PSL matches this year will prove to be a great step for the promotion of sports in the province. The youth and people of KP will benefit from sports and employment opportunities,” he said in a statement.

In a post on his X account about the meeting, Kundi said he reaffirmed that the people of KP stood firmly with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

“Our province has endured enough and we will not let extremists dictate our future. Peace, stability and opportunity are our right, and we will defend them together.

I also welcome the decision of the PCB to hold the PSL matches at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar. I have raised this issue several times with the PCB and bringing PSL to our province this year is an important step in promoting the sport. These matches will provide young people and residents of KP with an opportunity to play sports and give hope for the future. KP is ready to welcome with pride, celebrate our spirit and move forward stronger than ever. »