KP Police Rs40bn Package Sought for 12 Districts
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said countering terrorism remains the provincial government’s top priority. The KP police Rs40bn package for 12 terrorism-hit districts is now before the federal government. The Express Tribune reported the remarks from Dera Ismail Khan, where the governor spoke on Wednesday. He had chaired a high-level meeting on law and order, security and development.
Kundi addressed local elders and prominent figures in Dera Ismail Khan after the meeting. Government departments had briefed him on law and order, security arrangements, administrative affairs and ongoing development projects. He said the fight against terrorism came first, followed by efforts to promote peace, prosperity and development across the province.
What the KP police Rs40bn package covers
The K-P police have sought a special package of Rs40bn from the federal government. The money would strengthen security in 12 terrorism-hit districts. A comprehensive master security plan has been prepared and submitted to the federal government. The funds would build police capacity. They would equip the force with modern technology and weapons, provide bulletproof vehicles and deliver specialised training.
The governor said Rs40bn was being allocated for police requirements in the Bannu, Malakand and Dera Ismail Khan divisions. The money would cover police stations, check posts and offices. It would fund the construction and improvement of facilities for deputy inspectors general and district police officers.
Where the Rs160bn package goes
Kundi also set out how the Rs160bn federal development package announced by the prime minister would be shared. He said 70 per cent of the package would be spent in the 12 districts under emergency. Feature Pakistan has reported that the package was finalised at a meeting of the provincial apex committee in October. The federal cabinet confirmed it this week. The 70 per cent share for the 12 districts is the new detail in the governor’s statement.
The governor dismissed as baseless the rumours about the 12 districts under emergency. He said there was no plan to make them separate provinces or merge them with the former tribal areas. He said the districts had been identified because of their vulnerability to terrorism. He added that the foundation of the Daanish School System was being laid in the region. Further development work would follow.
Police staffing and the canal deadline
On police staffing, the governor repeated that around 17,000 posts in the provincial police were vacant. He said the gaps in staffing and infrastructure would be addressed. He first announced in October that recruitment would fill the vacancies, alongside a revised welfare package for police families.
Kundi also gave authorities a deadline of 15 to 20 November to restore water supply through the Chashma Right Bank Canal. The canal was breached in September. Feature Pakistan has reported that the breach cut supplies to farmers in Taunsa and Dera Ghazi Khan. Emergency repair works worth about Rs385 million are also under way.
The governor announced a cadet college for the children of police and security personnel who lost their lives fighting terrorism. “We want to strengthen institutions rather than individuals,” he said. Constructive suggestions from local representatives and community elders would be welcomed and put into practice.
What happens next
The package now rests with the federal government, which has to weigh it against other security and development demands. No date has been given for a decision. The police plan, the 70 per cent share of the development package and the canal deadline are three clear tests. The province will be watched on all three in the coming weeks.
The backdrop is governor’s rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, imposed on 11 October, under which the governor holds the chief minister’s powers. Security operations in the province have been scaled up in recent weeks. The governor’s statement also sets the political direction: security first, with development funds steered to the districts most exposed to attacks.
Frequently asked questions
What package have KP police sought?
A special package of Rs40bn from the federal government, to strengthen security in 12 terrorism-hit districts. A master security plan has been submitted with the request.
How much of the Rs160bn package goes to the 12 districts?
Seventy per cent, according to Governor Kundi. The prime minister announced the Rs160bn development and security package, and the cabinet confirmed it this week.
What is the deadline to restore the Chashma Right Bank Canal?
Authorities have until 15 to 20 November to restore water supply through the canal, which was breached in September.
How many police posts are vacant in KP?
Around 17,000, a figure the governor first gave in October when he announced recruitment to fill the vacancies.
Did Kundi say the 12 districts would become separate provinces?
No. He dismissed that idea as a baseless rumour and said the districts were identified because of their vulnerability to terrorism.
