KP govt approves Rs1bn to equip police with armored vehicles

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved Rs1 billion to equip the police force with modern weapons and equipment to combat terrorism and lawlessness in the province.

According to official documents, during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the Home and Tribal Affairs Department presented a case related to the capacity building of the police force.

Home department officials informed the provincial cabinet that the provincial police chief had requested 10 armored vehicles and one Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAPV) to enhance the police department’s ability to combat terrorism and unrest, particularly in the southern districts.

In the same meeting, officials from the home department briefed cabinet members, stating that targeted attacks on police are increasing daily, and despite limited resources, the police have been responding effectively. However, they said the police department was currently facing a shortage of armored vehicles.

Also read: Army chief pledges all-out support to KP police

The cabinet was informed that a fund of Rs1 billion should be approved for the police department to manage the deteriorating law and order situation, exacerbated by the rise in attacks on police, particularly in the southern districts.

According to the documents, Rs800 million will be allocated for the purchase of 10 armored vehicles, while Rs200 million will be used to acquire the MRAPV.

After the briefing, the provincial cabinet approved the release of the funds at the request of the home department.

Additionally, the provincial cabinet approved 791 new posts for hiring in the police in the southern districts of Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Tank.

According to an official report, over 273 incidents of terrorism have been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far this year, with 118 police personnel being targeted.