Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly defended his government’s position on the KP security policy, rejecting claims that the province is negligent in addressing security matters. His statement comes at a time when Pakistan is witnessing a renewed rise in terrorism, particularly in the bordering regions of KP and Balochistan. Afridi’s remarks have sparked a fresh debate on national policies, federal–provincial coordination, and the need for a unified approach to counter security challenges.
Afridi Rejects Allegations of Security Negligence
Speaking at a public gathering in Peshawar, CM Sohail Afridi firmly rejected assertions from federal authorities suggesting that KP is not serious about its security responsibilities. He stated that the province has consistently highlighted flaws in the federal government’s approach and urged Islamabad to reconsider its national security framework.
According to Afridi, the provincial government does not criticize for the sake of criticism; instead, it offers solutions and recommendations that align with Pakistan’s broader national interest. He reiterated that KP has been performing its duties responsibly and that the allegations reflect a disconnect between federal policies and the realities on the ground.
Governance, Mandate, and Public Expectations
Afridi highlighted that KP has governance, citing the fact that the public has elected his party for a third consecutive term. He contrasted the province’s administrative performance with what he described as federal mismanagement, pointing toward the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) critical observations on national governance.
He stressed that the country’s economic and security crises were not the result of provincial actions but of systemic failures at the top. Echoing long-standing concerns, he accused elite power groups of misusing taxpayers’ money and vowed that KP would no longer allow resources to be misappropriated.
Legal and Border Issues Add Pressure on Security Landscape
Alongside Afridi’s remarks, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser addressed constitutional and border-related issues. He expressed deep concern over the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, which he claimed compromised judicial independence and made courts subservient. Qaiser also highlighted the deteriorating security situation along the Afghan border, linking the instability to flawed federal strategies and calling for a peaceful, long-term approach.
His comments resonated with growing demands for a clear federal KP security policy that aligns the needs of border regions with the country’s national security priorities.
Rising Terrorism and Need for a Coordinated Response
The rise in terrorist incidents has intensified the spotlight on KP. According to recent police data, the province recorded more than 600 terror attacks in the first eight months of 2025 alone. These incidents resulted in the martyrdom of 79 police officials and the deaths of 138 civilians.
The federal government has repeatedly urged Kabul to take action against militant safe havens inside Afghanistan, particularly those affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, the persistence of cross-border threats suggests gaps in regional and national counterterrorism strategies, further underscoring the urgency of revisiting the KP security policy.
Talks of Governor’s Rule Trigger Strong Reaction
In recent weeks, the federal government hinted that it might consider imposing governor’s rule in KP due to security, governance, and border concerns. State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik stated that Islamabad was evaluating the move based on national security priorities.
This suggestion provoked a sharp response from CM Afridi, who dared the Centre to proceed with such a step. He argued that KP’s elected government is fully capable of governing and that any external intervention would only deepen tensions between the federation and the province.
Afridi warned against closed-door policies and reiterated that the consequences of such decisions would harm both provincial autonomy and national unity.
A Call for Policy Reforms and Federal–Provincial Harmony
The situation has sparked an essential conversation around how Pakistan formulates and implements its national security framework. Afridi’s statements emphasize that an effective KP security policy cannot be designed in isolation. It must be built through cooperation, mutual respect, and clear communication between federal and provincial governments.
As security threats continue to evolve, the need for a coordinated, transparent, and community-focused approach becomes clearer. KP, being on the front line of counterterrorism, requires resources, policy support, and strategic clarity from Islamabad.
In the coming months, the debate surrounding the KP security policy will likely intensify. What remains undeniable is that Pakistan’s stability depends heavily on how effectively its governments — federal and provincial collaborate to protect citizens and secure borders.
