The federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governments have agreed to gradually transfer security responsibilities in Malakand Division from the army to provincial law enforcement agencies once the law and order situation improves officials said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during a high level meeting in Peshawar convened to review the overall security situation in the province. The meeting was attended by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi senior federal representatives and top civil and military officials.

Addressing the media after the meeting KP Information Adviser Shafi Jan Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam and Law Minister Aftab Alam said that as stability returns to affected areas security duties would be handed over to the police the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other provincial law enforcement agencies.

They said Malakand Division would be among the first regions where control is shifted to civilian forces while other districts currently undergoing counter terrorism operations would follow once conditions allow.

Finance Adviser Aslam said the province’s financial challenges were also discussed including KP’s demand for its due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. Officials noted that limited federal funding continues to strain KP’s ability to manage security and development needs particularly in the newly merged tribal districts.

The meeting also addressed the economic impact of security operations, including business disruptions. Both governments agreed to coordinate efforts to compensate losses and create alternative employment opportunities. Law Minister Aftab Alam termed the decisions historic saying they reflected growing confidence in KP’s police force and would be implemented in consultation with political religious and tribal stakeholders.