Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar cites terrorism figures and governance concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while outlining a proposed administrative framework for 12 districts.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has defended the federal government’s decision to introduce a new administrative arrangement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying deteriorating law and order and governance failures necessitated action to address the growing threat of terrorism.

Speaking at a briefing for foreign media, Tarar said the federal government had no political agenda and its sole objective was to adopt a unified national policy against terrorism. He said the country’s constitutional framework contained provisions to deal with such circumstances.

Tarar sharply criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that it had failed to disrupt the links between politics, terrorism and crime. He claimed that governance had become dysfunctional and accused the provincial administration of failing to provide police with the resources and authority needed to combat militancy.

Tarar cites rise in terrorism and fatalities

According to figures presented by the minister, terrorism incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased nearly 11-fold over six years. He said 3,774 incidents were recorded in 2025, while 2,857 had occurred by September 2026.

Tarar also said 6,924 terrorism cases had been registered over the previous five years. He claimed that fatalities had increased nearly tenfold, rising from 267 deaths in 2021 to 2,775 in 2026. He identified 2025 as the deadliest year in the figures he presented, with 3,512 deaths.

The minister further claimed that terrorism-related fatalities increased by 113.7% during the 31 months from March 2024 to September 2026, with a total of 8,442 deaths recorded during that period.

These figures were presented by Tarar during the briefing and were not independently verified in the information provided.

Police and security concerns

Tarar said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police had suffered heavily because of their frontline role in counterterrorism operations. He claimed attacks targeting police had increased by 168% and said 18 police installations had been targeted over the previous two years.

He also cited 1,364 major terrorist attacks and 1,532 police personnel killed in the figures presented at the briefing. According to the minister, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had increased by 30%.

Tarar alleged that the provincial government had failed to regulate the movement of explosives and properly register vehicles and motorcycles, making it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to track suspicious movements.

He accused the former provincial administration of maintaining links with terrorists and facilitating attacks on civilians. These allegations were made by the minister during the briefing.

Tarar said the state could exercise its constitutional powers when a government failed to fulfil its basic responsibilities and address security threats.

New administrative framework for 12 districts

Outlining the proposed administrative arrangement, Tarar said a regional representative and development council would be established for 12 districts. The proposed body would include a chairman, vice chairman, council members and a spokesperson.

He said an additional chief secretary would also be appointed, while Yahya Akhunzada would serve as administrator. The structure would include director generals, an additional inspector general of police and departments responsible for law enforcement, counter-narcotics, legal affairs, tribal affairs and human rights.

Administrative units dealing with budgeting, the Board of Revenue and other relevant matters would also be established. Tarar said the council would maintain a balance between regional and tribal representation.

Describing the proposed system as a new opportunity for the region, the minister said restoring law and order would be the first priority, followed by efforts to advance development and improve living conditions for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He also contrasted the proposed cabinet with the previous PTI-led provincial cabinet, saying the new members had the educational qualifications, professional competence, experience and public-service records needed to perform their responsibilities.