An official government report revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced three thousand seven hundred sixty-seven terror incidents during Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s tenure. The security assessment was compiled following the recent imposition of emergency rule and Governor’s Rule in the province. According to the document, terror attacks claimed the lives of eleven hundred forty-nine individuals, including five hundred fifty security personnel. Furthermore, nearly twenty-six hundred people sustained injuries during these violent incidents across the region. Consequently, the findings have intensified debate regarding provincial governance failures and counter-terrorism preparedness.
The report highlights severe operational deficiencies within the provincial police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Investigators noted critical shortages in modern weaponry, armored vehicles, advanced surveillance equipment, and specialized forensic capabilities. Despite receiving over eight hundred billion rupees since 2010 to strengthen law enforcement, capacity gaps persist throughout the province. Furthermore, the assessment criticizes the provincial leadership for prioritizing political confrontation with federal authorities over strengthening state authority. Consequently, these governance flaws significantly weakened security coordination across critical border districts.
Political focus shifted heavily toward anti-government demonstrations rather than counter-terrorism measures during this turbulent period. The report notes that the provincial administration organized eighteen major protest events, including four long marches, since taking power in March 2024. Meanwhile, local security forces faced escalating militant attacks without adequate political backing or technical support. Additionally, the document attributes the resurgence of militancy partly to past political reconciliation policies with extremist elements. Therefore, federal authorities argue that intervention became necessary to address deteriorating law and order.
The national security situation inside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directly reflects broader domestic terrorism trends across the country. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026 published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, Pakistan faced severe security challenges. Official reviewers emphasize that provincial authorities failed to build effective joint security mechanisms with federal defense agencies. Furthermore, persistent political friction between Islamabad and Peshawar hindered intelligence sharing and joint counter-militancy operations. Consequently, civilian populations and law enforcement personnel bore the heaviest burden of the expanding violence.
Ultimately, the comprehensive security review underscores the urgent need for unified counter-terrorism strategies across Pakistan. Federal administrators operating under Governor’s Rule plan to restructure local intelligence networks and upgrade police equipment rapidly. Moreover, military and police authorities aim to restore public confidence by conducting targeted operations against militant hideouts. Restoring institutional coordination between federal and provincial security agencies remains essential to achieving lasting regional peace. Moving forward, national leaders promise strict measures to eradicate terrorism and protect civilian lives.