A year characterized by suicide attacks, leadership changes and increasing instability is coming to an end
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police has established its first ever Sniper Squad.
PESHAWAR:
As 2025 draws to a close, it leaves bitter memories of political turbulence and persistent terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The year was marked by deadly militant attacks, political uncertainty and repeated shocks to the province’s fragile governance and security structure.
Among the most tragic incidents were the suicide bombings at Darululoom Haqqania and the Frontier Constabulary Headquarters. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani embraced martyrdom in a suicide attack, a loss that deeply shook religious and political circles.
During the year, southern districts and tribal areas remained primary targets of militant violence.
Politically, 2025 proved to be a turbulent year for the province. Political temperatures remained high as the provincial government struggled to maintain stability, with persistent rumors of the governor’s rule circulating at various times. The year also witnessed a change in leadership as PTI’s founding chairman removed the then Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from office and nominated Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister.
Just days before he resigned, Ali Amin Gandapur reshuffled the provincial cabinet on 2 October. Even after his resignation, the process of administering the oath to the new chief minister became controversial, forcing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to approach the courts. Following court orders, the KP Governor administered the oath to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The new chief minister faced further challenges as he was not allowed to meet PTI’s founding chairman, complicating matters of governance. As a result, the cabinet had to be formed without consultation with the party’s top leadership.
Alongside political instability, the security situation deteriorated sharply. In Bajaur, an attack on an assistant commissioner’s vehicle claimed five lives, including the officer himself. The suicide bombing at Darul Uloom Haqqania claimed the lives of Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq and five others. During the year, the province witnessed eight suicide attacks and a total of 1,588 terrorist incidents.
Bannu district remained one of the worst affected areas while Peshawar also came under attack with a major attack on the FC headquarters. Throughout 2025, the tribal belt and southern districts of KP continued to bear the brunt of militant violence.
As the year ends, KP is haunted by memories of bloodshed, political discord and an ongoing struggle to restore peace and stability.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa saw a significant increase in terrorism during 2025, with over 500 reported attacks, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year.
According to a detailed security assessment obtained by The Express Pakinomist, the province faced 1,588 terror-related incidents, reflecting a rapidly escalating militant threat across both settled regions and tribal areas. Despite the increase in attacks, security forces managed to prevent 320 major attacks, while 137 police officers and personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.
