Security reports presented at a key cabinet committee meeting are expected to highlight rising militant attacks, increased drone use, vacant police positions and operational gaps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A cabinet committee meeting chaired by the prime minister began with a focus on the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where reports from the provincial police and intelligence agencies have highlighted an increase in militant attacks, growing use of drones and significant shortages in law enforcement resources.

According to the reports, the committee is expected to review the province’s governance and security challenges, the preparedness of law enforcement agencies and gaps in counterterrorism operations. Sources said the meeting would also examine the causes of the deteriorating law and order situation and the responsibilities of relevant authorities.

Terrorist incidents rise 195%

One report recorded a 195% increase in terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between March 1, 2024, and Sept. 23, 2026.

The report described the continued rise in attacks as a serious security challenge for the province. It attributed the growing threats to militant elements operating from Afghanistan, local facilitators and what it characterized as inadequate provincial policies and a lenient approach toward militants.

The report also cited shortcomings in provincial preparedness, attention to security and effective counterterrorism measures, saying these gaps had allowed militant elements to expand their presence.

According to the report, police and other security institutions were the targets of 73% of terrorist attacks recorded in 2026. It also identified connections among militant networks, local facilitation and illegal activities as a major security concern.

Drone and explosive attacks increase

The reports highlighted a significant increase in the use of drones by militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

No drone attacks targeting police and security institutions were reported in 2024, according to the report. The number of such attacks reached 170 in 2026, representing an increase of approximately 107% over one year, the report said.

The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has also remained a concern. The number of IED attacks rose to 181 in 2025, while 159 attacks had been recorded by September 2026, according to the report.

The findings point to the need for police and law enforcement agencies to strengthen their capabilities to respond to changing militant tactics.

Police face staffing and equipment shortages

The reports identified substantial gaps in police staffing, equipment, surveillance capabilities and operational infrastructure.

More than 9,000 posts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force remain vacant, according to the findings. Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) also face shortages of modern weapons, essential operational equipment, surveillance and intelligence tools, night-vision devices and thermal imaging equipment.

The reports said shortages of armored and protected vehicles were particularly affecting police operations in the southern districts most affected by terrorism. The lack of secure vehicles was restricting police mobility and operational capacity in those areas.

The Safe City project, intended to strengthen urban surveillance and security, remains limited to Peshawar rather than covering the entire province, the report said.

Police in the merged districts also face deficiencies in training, resources and operational capacity.

CTD infrastructure needs review

The reports identified a shortage of specially trained personnel in the CTD, despite its role as a dedicated counterterrorism force. The department continues to rely on regular police personnel to meet staffing requirements, according to the findings.

Its district offices, operational facilities and specialized infrastructure were also described as inadequate for current requirements.

The reports called for stronger, modern and dedicated CTD infrastructure to address the province’s growing security challenges.