KP maps the security transition to civilian forces

PESHAWAR:

A high-level security meeting in Peshawar on Tuesday laid out a roadmap for the transfer of law and order responsibilities from the army to the 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 will be handed over to the police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and provincial law enforcement agencies.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, federal representatives and senior civilian and military leaders at the meeting, which also addressed economic fallout from counter-terrorism operations and prolonged financial pressure on the province.

Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan, Financial Adviser Muzammil Aslam and Law Minister Aftab Alam later briefed the media. They said the meeting took “important decisions” on both security and finance.

“In Malakand, powers are being transferred to the police, CTD and provincial law enforcement agencies,” Jan said, adding that the same process will be followed in other districts once counter-terrorism operations are completed and the situation stabilises.

They described the restoration of peace as a collective success, calling it “a great 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 gains on the ground, authorities plan to convene a meeting of stakeholders from political and religious parties along with tribal elders, with the aim of building a broader consensus and securing community support for the next phase of stabilization.

Apart from security, the meeting also discussed economic issues, with Aslam presenting 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 presented to the prime minister, arguing that “if KP receives its due share under the NFC (National Finance Commission) Award, several major financial problems can be solved.”

Read: Center, KP builds bridges between merged district funds

Despite reduced federal allocations, the province continued to assume responsibilities in the merged districts, meeting participants noted, warning that existing resources remained insufficient and that new proposals were now being prepared to tackle looming budget pressures.

It was agreed that provincial recommendations would be formally taken up with the federal government, with both sides pledging to work together to ensure “maximum possible economic relief” for KP in the coming months.

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

Officials said both federal and provincial governments would jointly compensate economic losses suffered by affected communities and reiterate commitments to support recovery while security operations are gradually wound down.

Describing the results as “important and historic decisions”, Alam noted that a consensus had been reached in the presence of the Chief Minister to hand over responsibility in the Malakand division to the civil law enforcement.

“The process underlines institutional trust,” he said, calling it “a clear proof of confidence in the KP police”.

He confirmed the coordination between civil authorities and the military to secure 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 matches, a complaint long voiced by fans across the province.

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

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

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

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

Naqvi meets Governor Kundi

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

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

Kundi also welcomed the decision to hold PSL matches in Peshawar and said 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 KP 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 confirmed that the people of KP 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 PCB and bringing PSL to our province this year is an important step to promote sports. These matches will give the youth and people of KP an opportunity to engage in sports and build hope for the future. KP is ready to host with pride, celebrate our spirit and emerge stronger than ever.”