K-P maps security transition to civilian forces

PESHAWAR:

A high-level security meeting in Peshawar on Tuesday laid out a roadmap for transferring law-and-order responsibilities from the army to civilian authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), 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 improves, operational control would be handed over to the police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and provincial law-enforcement authorities.

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, federal representatives and senior civil and military leadership at the meeting, which also addressed economic fallout from counter-terrorism operations and long-standing financial pressures on the province.

Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan, Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam and Law Minister Aftab Alam later briefed the media. They said that the meeting took “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 counter-terrorism operations conclude and the situation stabilises.

They described the restoration of peace 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 K-P police.

To consolidate gains on the ground, authorities plan to convene a meeting of stakeholders from political and religious parties alongside tribal elders, aiming to build wider consensus and ensure community backing for the next phase of stabilisation.

Beyond security, the meeting also discussed financial matters, with Aslam presenting a detailed account of the province’s fiscal challenges, including persistent funding gaps that have complicated governance in the merged tribal districts.

He said the province’s difficulties had once again been laid before the prime minister, arguing that “if K-P receives its due share under the NFC (National Finance Commission) Award, several major financial problems could be resolved.”

Read: Centre, K-P bridge gaps over merged districts funds

Despite reduced federal allocations, the province continued to shoulder responsibilities in the merged districts, the participants of the meeting noted, warning that existing resources remained inadequate and fresh proposals were now being prepared to tackle looming budgetary pressures.

It was agreed that provincial recommendations would be formally taken up with the federal government, with both sides committing to work together to secure “maximum possible financial relief” for K-P in the coming months.

The impact of operations on livelihoods also featured prominently, particularly market closures that have disrupted commerce in affected areas, prompting assurances of alternative trade arrangements and new employment opportunities for displaced workers.

Officials said both federal and provincial governments would jointly compensate financial losses suffered by affected communities, repeating commitments to support recovery while security operations gradually wind down.

Alam described the outcomes as “important and historic decisions”, noting that consensus had been reached in the chief minister’s presence on handing over responsibilities in Malakand division to the civilian law enforcement.

“The process underscores institutional trust,” he said, calling it “clear evidence of confidence in the K-P Police”.

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

Cricket unexpectedly entered the discussion when provincial officials highlighted that Peshawar had been overlooked for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international fixtures, a grievance long voiced 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 HBL PSL matches scheduled this year would be staged in Peshawar.

Jan called the announcement a “good news for cricket fans in Peshawar and K-P”, confirming that the HBL PSL trophy roadshows would also tour several cities in the province, offering a symbolic boost to morale.

Looking ahead, civil and military leaders pledged to implement recommendations from political and religious stakeholders and tribal elders, framing community engagement as essential to sustaining peace beyond the security handover.

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

Naqvi meets Governor Kundi

Naqvi also met K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to discuss the province’s law, order and security situation.

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 an excellent step for the promotion of sports in the province. The youth and people of K-P will be provided with sports and employment opportunities,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

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

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

I also welcome the PCB decision to hold PSL matches in Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium. I have repeatedly raised this matter with the PCB and bringing PSL to our province this year is a significant step for promoting sports. These matches will provide opportunities for youth and the people of KP to engage in sports and build hope for the future. KP is ready to host with pride, celebrate our spirit, and move forward stronger than ever.”