KP approves Rs1b to fight militancy in merged districts 

PESHAWAR: In response to the rising tide of militancy, terrorist attacks, and abductions of government officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern and merged districts, the provincial government has approved a special fund of Rs1.095 billion for administrative and police officials.

Sources told HUM News English that commissioners, deputy commissioners, and district police officers from districts including Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and the merged districts of Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Mohmand and Bajaur had requested funds to meet emerging security needs in the wake of growing militant activities.

At the recent meeting of the KP cabinet, the Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) presented a joint proposal with the Home Department, seeking approval for the release of Rs1.095 billion in special funds. The cabinet gave the go-ahead after deliberation.

Of the total amount, Rs340 million will be allocated to the district administrations, while Rs755 million has been earmarked for the police.

According to official documents, Rs50 million has been set aside for commissioners, Rs130 million for deputy commissioners in settled districts, and Rs160 million for DCs in merged districts. Among the police allocation, Rs525 million is for settled districts, while Rs230 million will be used in the merged areas to improve law and order.

The development comes amid a troubling security situation in KP. As per recent figures released by the provincial police, 152 individuals — including police and other security personnel, as well as civilians — have been killed, and 302 injured in militant attacks so far this year, with Bannu, Khyber and North Waziristan among the hardest-hit districts.