Approves the creation of the Special Service as a separate specialized unit and the creation of 1,221 new positions
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi. Photo: File
PESHAWER:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has approved a series of key administrative and operational improvements for the Special Branch of Police, aimed at modernizing the unit and strengthening the province’s intelligence and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, CM Afridi approved the establishment of the Special Branch as a separate specialized unit and accorded in-principle approval for creation of 1,221 new posts. A major financial package was also approved to strengthen the operational capacity of the unit, including Rs 1,820 million for infrastructure development and construction of new buildings, and Rs 904.7 million for the purchase of 98 vehicles and 404 motorcycles.
Additionally, Rs 2,543.9 million will be allocated for advanced technical equipment, surveillance systems and other intelligence tools. The Chief Minister directed that proposed allowances for Special Branch personnel be given priority, highlighting the vital role of police in the fight against terrorism. New buildings for the unit will also be constructed throughout the province.
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During the briefing, officials highlighted the Special Branch’s key responsibilities, including intelligence collection, security assessments, verifications, investigations and surveillance. Notably, 308 members from the merged districts were integrated into the force. In 2025, Special Branch successfully neutralized two suicide vests, 32 IEDs, 70 rocket shells and 288 hand grenades, preventing multiple terrorist attacks.
The unit also provided security to 635 political rallies and conducted extensive checks, including 3,124 NADRA checks, 6,840 passport checks, 14,518 CPEC-related checks, 6,060 personal checks and 9,413 official employee checks.
CM Afridi reiterated that all necessary resources would be provided without delay to strengthen the professional capabilities of the Special Branch.
