A year marked by suicide attacks, leadership changes and increasing instability comes to an end
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police has created its first sniper squad.
PESHAWAR:
As 2025 draws to a close, it leaves behind bitter memories of political turbulence and persistent terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The year was marked by deadly militant attacks, political uncertainty and repeated impacts on the province’s fragile government and security structure.
Among the most tragic incidents were the suicide bombings at Darululoom Haqqania and the border police 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.
Throughout the year, the southern districts and tribal areas remained the main targets of militant violence.
Politically, 2025 proved to be a turbulent year for the province. The political temperature remained high as the provincial government struggled to maintain stability, with persistent rumors about the governor’s government circulating at different times. The year also witnessed a change in leadership when the founding president of the PTI removed the then Prime Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from office and nominated Sohail Afridi as the new Prime Minister.
Just days before resigning, Ali Amin Gandapur reshuffled the provincial cabinet on October 2. However, even after his resignation, the process of administering the oath to the new prime minister became controversial, forcing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to go to court. Following court orders, KP Governor administered oath to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The new prime minister faced further challenges as he was not granted permission to meet the founding president of the PTI, complicating governance issues. As a result, the cabinet had to be formed without consulting the party’s top leaders.
In addition to political instability, the security situation deteriorated markedly. In Bajaur, an attack on a deputy commissioner’s vehicle claimed five lives, including the officer himself. The suicide bomb attack in Darul Uloom Haqqania claimed the lives of Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq and five others. Throughout 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 was also hit with a major assault 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 remains haunted by memories of bloodshed, political discord and an ongoing struggle to restore peace and stability.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa experienced a significant increase in terrorism during 2025, with more than 500 attacks reported, representing a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year.
According to a detailed security assessment obtained by The Express PAkGazette, the province faced 1,588 terrorism-related incidents, reflecting a rapidly escalating militant threat in both settled and tribal regions. Despite the increase in attacks, security forces managed to prevent 320 major attacks, while 137 police officers and personnel gave their lives in the line of duty.
