Centre to hand over Malakand Division security control from army to KP govt

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

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting held in Peshawar to review the overall security situation in KP.

The meeting was attended by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, representatives of the federal government and senior civil and military officials.

Following the meeting, KP Information Adviser Shafi Jan, Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam and Law Minister Aftab Alam told reporters that key decisions were made regarding security and the economy.

They said that as stability improves in affected areas, responsibilities currently handled by the army would be handed over to the police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and other provincial law enforcement agencies.

In Malakand Division, they said, powers will be transferred to the provincial police and CTD. In other districts where counter-terrorism operations are ongoing, authority will be shifted to civilian law enforcement once conditions improve.

Finance Adviser Aslam said that the province’s financial challenges were also discussed in detail, with KP’s concerns presented again before the prime minister.

He said that if the province receives its due share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, several major fiscal issues could be resolved.

Despite limited federal funding, the KP government is continuing to meet its responsibilities in the newly merged tribal districts, he said, adding that current financial resources remain insufficient. Proposals were put forward to address future fiscal shortfalls, and it was decided that the province’s recommendations would be formally presented to the federal government to secure maximum financial relief.

Officials also discussed the economic impact of security operations, including market closures affecting livelihoods in certain areas. Both federal and provincial governments pledged to work together to compensate financial losses and create alternative trade and employment opportunities.

Law Minister Aftab Alam described the decisions as “important and historic,” saying the transfer of responsibilities in Malakand reflected confidence in the KP police.

He said that political and religious stakeholders, as well as tribal elders, would be consulted to ensure broad-based support for the decisions.

Provincial apex committee decisions would be ensured ahead of review at the national apex committee, he said.

Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House in Peshawar to discuss security and law and order in the province.

Kundi welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to hold Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Peshawar this year, saying it would promote sports in the province.

Naqvi said the federal and provincial governments would work together to ensure sustainable peace, eliminate terrorism and provide youth with opportunities in sports and employment.

The governor also expressed condolences over the Islamabad Imambargah blast and urged the interior minister to ensure swift financial assistance for the families of the victims.

He further recommended awarding the presidential gallantry award, Sitara-e-Shujaat, to Syed Aun Abbas, who was killed while attempting to stop the suicide attacker.