PESHAWAR: The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continues to deteriorate as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi remains engaged in matters related to the health of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, terrorism in the province is no longer confined to a handful of incidents but has taken the shape of a full-scale operational crisis.
The recent intensity with which the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police has been targeted has raised serious questions about the overall security framework of the province. The martyrdom of multiple personnel and dozens of attacks within a short span indicate a shift in the nature of threats, suggesting that conventional responses are proving inadequate. The issue is no longer about isolated acts of violence but reflects a broader operational breakdown. Inspector General Police, KP, Zulfiqar Hameed, in a conversation with this correspondent stated that joint lists have been prepared with input from the Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch and other agencies for the arrest of suspects and facilitators, and substantial progress has been achieved in this regard. He said new SOPs have been formulated and circulated to relevant authorities to ensure the security of police installations and patrol units, with strict instructions issued for their implementation. The IG further added that special teams have been established within the CTD to investigate cases of target killings and progress is being made in those investigations.
According to sources, police posts, patrolling personnel and sensitive installations in various districts have been systematically targeted. The pattern of attacks suggests that assailants not only enjoy freedom of movement but may also have access to local intelligence. This situation raises concerns regarding intelligence sharing, response time and operational coordination. Opposition parties argue that while statements and condemnations have been issued by the provincial government, ground realities demand immediate and decisive measures. Security experts maintain that sending police personnel to the frontline without modern equipment, armored vehicles, night vision technology and effective communication systems is tantamount to putting lives at unnecessary risk. Analysts warn that unless a coordinated strategy, effective intelligence-based operations and meaningful community engagement are ensured, the situation could worsen in the coming days.
