The police must take charge; Key commitments promise finances and job opportunities; PSL matches confirmed for Peshawar city
Senior civil and military officials attend a meeting on law and order situation at KP in Peshawar. Photo: Express
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 enhances operational control, operational control will be vested in 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 are over and the situation stabilizes.
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, arguing that “if Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa receives its due share under the NFC [National Finance Commission] Award, several major financial problems could be resolved.”
Despite the reduction in federal allocations, the province continues to fulfill its responsibilities in the amalgamated districts, meeting participants noted, warning that existing resources remain insufficient and new proposals are being prepared to address looming budgetary 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.
Law Minister Aftab 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 Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 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.
