The police will take charge; The key meeting promises finances and job opportunities; PSL matches confirmed for Peshawar city
Senior civil and military officials attend a meeting on the law and order situation in Peshawar. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
A high-level security meeting held in Peshawar on Tuesday laid out a roadmap for transferring law and order responsibilities from the army to civil authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marking a crucial moment in the province’s long struggle to restore stability.
The session reviewed the overall security picture and concluded that in areas, including Malakand, where peace improves, operational control will be handed over to the police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and provincial law enforcement authorities.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi joined Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, federal representatives and senior civil and military leaders at the meeting, which also discussed the economic consequences of counter-terrorism operations and long-standing financial pressures on the province.
Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan, Financial Advisor Muzammil Aslam and Law Minister Aftab Alam later briefed the media. They said that “important decisions” were made at the meeting, both in terms of security and the economy.
“In Malakand, powers are being transferred to the police, CTD and provincial law enforcement agencies,” Jan said, adding that the same process would be followed in other districts once counter-terrorism operations are concluded and the situation stabilises.
They described the restoration of peace as a collective success, calling it “a major achievement of the provincial government, the civil administration and the military leadership”, and said the transition reflected a clear vote of confidence in the KP police.
To consolidate progress on the ground, authorities plan to convene a meeting of stakeholders from political and religious parties along with tribal elders, with the aim of generating a broader consensus and ensuring community support for the next phase of stabilization.
Beyond security, the meeting also discussed financial issues, with Aslam presenting a detailed overview of the province’s fiscal challenges, including persistent funding gaps that have complicated governance in the merged tribal districts.
He said the province’s difficulties had once again been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister, arguing that “if Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa receives its fair share under the NFC [National Finance Commission] “Several important financial problems could be resolved.”
Despite reduced federal allocations, the province continues to assume responsibilities in the merged districts, meeting participants noted, warning that existing resources remain inadequate and that new proposals are now being prepared to address looming budget pressures.
It was agreed that the provincial recommendations would be formally addressed with the federal government and both parties would commit to working together to ensure the “maximum possible financial relief” for KP in the coming months.
The impact of operations on livelihoods also featured prominently, particularly market closures that have disrupted trade in affected areas, leading to assurances of alternative trade arrangements and new employment opportunities for displaced workers.
Officials said both the federal and provincial governments would jointly compensate for financial losses suffered by affected communities, repeating commitments to support recovery as security operations gradually wind down.
Justice Minister Aftab Alam described the results as “important and historic decisions”, noting that a consensus had been reached in the presence of the prime minister on the transfer of responsibilities in Malakand division to civil authorities.
“The process underlines institutional trust,” he said, calling it “clear evidence of confidence in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police.” He reaffirmed coordination between civil and military authorities to safeguard fragile achievements.
Cricket unexpectedly entered the discussion when provincial officials highlighted that Peshawar had been ignored during the Pakistan HBL Super League (PSL) and international matches, a complaint long voiced by fans across the province.
Responding at the event, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), assured the participants that the HBL PSL matches scheduled for this year would be held in Peshawar.
Calling the announcement “good news for cricket fans in Peshawar and KP”, Jan confirmed that the roadshows of the HBL PSL trophy would also tour various cities in the province, offering a symbolic boost to morale.
Looking ahead, civil and military leaders committed to implementing recommendations from political and religious actors and tribal elders, framing community participation as essential to sustaining peace beyond the handover of security.
The meeting participants further agreed that decisions made at the Provincial Apex Committee would be ensured prior to the National Apex Committee meeting, where provincial resolutions would be formally ratified.
