An official assessment cites 3,767 terrorism-related incidents, 1,149 deaths and reported law enforcement shortcomings as the debate over emergency measures and governor’s rule intensifies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
An official report has recorded 3,767 terrorism-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, resulting in 1,149 deaths and 2,595 injuries.
The assessment, which has emerged amid a political dispute over the federal government’s decision to impose emergency measures and governor’s rule in the province, identifies the worsening security situation as a key factor behind the federal intervention.
According to the report, the fatalities included 550 security personnel and 599 civilians. Of the injured, 1,704 were security personnel and 891 were civilians.
The report raises concerns about provincial governance, counterterrorism preparedness and coordination between provincial authorities and federal security institutions. It argues that strengthening law enforcement agencies, improving counterterrorism capabilities and restoring the writ of the state should have received greater priority.
Report highlights police and CTD shortcomings
The assessment identifies operational and equipment-related gaps in the provincial police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). These reportedly include shortages of modern weapons, armoured vehicles, surveillance equipment, specialized training and technically skilled personnel.
It also points to weaknesses in forensic capabilities and a lack of dedicated CTD infrastructure, arguing that these deficiencies have limited law enforcement agencies’ ability to respond effectively to militant threats.
The report further states that more than Rs800 billion was provided to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2010 and 2026 to support counterterrorism efforts and strengthen security institutions. However, it questions why the funding did not translate into what it considers adequate operational preparedness and institutional capacity.
Political activities and counterterrorism policy under scrutiny
The report also examines the provincial government’s political activities during the period under review. It states that the province witnessed 18 major protest events, including four long marches, since the PTI-led administration assumed power in March 2024.
The assessment questions whether political confrontations with the federal government diverted sufficient attention from the province’s security challenges. It calls for stronger political backing for counterterrorism operations and closer coordination between provincial and federal authorities.
The report also links the resurgence of militancy, in part, to the PTI government’s reconciliation policy toward militants in 2021. It alleges that the provincial administration provided limited political support for counterterrorism operations and repeatedly opposed security operations.
These conclusions reflect the position of the official assessment. The information provided does not independently establish that provincial government decisions alone caused the increase in militant violence.
Pakistan’s wider security situation
The report also refers to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace, which ranked Pakistan as the country most affected by terrorism.
It argues that the scale of the security crisis requires stronger provincial leadership, improved counterterrorism capabilities and more effective cooperation between provincial and federal security agencies.
The findings have added to the political debate over the federal government’s decision to introduce emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government has cited the deteriorating law and order situation and alleged weaknesses in counterterrorism coordination to justify its intervention.
The provincial government’s handling of militancy is consequently a central issue in the dispute between the Centre and the opposition. The report’s figures and findings are likely to remain part of the debate over responsibility for the security situation and the constitutional measures introduced by the federal government.
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