Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has set up a special sub-committee led by CM Sohail Afridi to monitor development projects and review any security operations in Malakand, Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to establish a special sub-committee to monitor development work and review any security operations in sensitive districts of the province. The move is aimed at improving oversight, strengthening civilian ownership and ensuring that both security and development efforts move together on the ground.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar to review the overall security situation in KP. The session was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the national security adviser, the Peshawar corps commander and senior civil and military officials.
New Special Sub-Committee for Conflict-Affected Districts
According to the official handout, the new sub-committee will be led by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. It will meet every month to review progress on development schemes and to oversee any security operations carried out in selected districts, particularly Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram.
The committee will include elected public representatives, the Peshawar corps commander, the KP chief secretary, inspector general of police, key provincial officials and representatives from federal institutions. By bringing together civilian and military leadership, the forum is expected to provide a single platform for coordination, feedback and course correction where needed.
Officials said the sub-committee will also be responsible for creating alternative employment opportunities and ensuring a steady income for local residents, especially in areas where security operations or trade disruptions have affected livelihoods. It will further look into arrangements for temporarily displaced persons and recommend measures for their rehabilitation and support.
Governance Model for Malakand and Other KP Districts
The meeting decided that a new provincial governance model will be implemented in Malakand Division under the supervision of the police and other provincial institutions. Once tested and refined there, the model will be extended in phases to other affected districts, with a focus on Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram.
KP Law Minister Aftab Alam later described one of the key decisions as a significant step: the gradual handover of responsibilities in Malakand Division from the Pakistan Army to civilian law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). He termed it an important sign that peace is returning to the region and that trust is being restored in provincial institutions.
It was also agreed that local services would be progressively handed over to the civil administration in districts where the security situation has improved. Political stakeholders from across the spectrum will be invited to a separate meeting, where civilian and military leaders will brief them on the security plan and seek their recommendations.
Coordinated Approach to Security, Terrorism and Illegal Activities
During the briefing, participants reviewed the rising trend in violence reported in recent years and discussed a joint action plan to counter terrorism and extremist narratives. It was agreed that effective communication between the Centre and the KP government, complete coordination and a united stance on key policy matters are essential to address these challenges.
The meeting decided to take strict action against illegal SIM cards, explosives and extortion rackets. Authorities will also begin a phased profiling of non-custom-paid vehicles in the province, which are often linked to smuggling and security risks. Sustainable employment opportunities for youth were highlighted as a core priority to prevent them from being drawn toward extremist ideas.
At the same time, it was confirmed that Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches scheduled for this year will be held in Peshawar, a move seen as both a vote of confidence in the security environment and a way to project a more positive image of the province.
Economic Relief and Support for Affected Communities
Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, said the meeting also focused on the financial pressures facing the province, particularly in relation to the merged districts. He noted that the KP government has been using its own resources to support these areas due to lower transfers from the federal government, but that this support remains insufficient without a new National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
According to Aslam, recommendations discussed at the meeting will be presented to the federal government with the aim of securing maximum relief for KP. The participants also agreed on the need to provide alternative arrangements for people whose livelihoods have been impacted by military operations or reduced trade with Afghanistan.
Both provincial and federal authorities will explore ways to jointly compensate affected communities and support long-term economic recovery. The goal, officials said, is to align security, governance and economic measures so that stability in the province is backed by visible development and real opportunities for ordinary citizens.
