PESHAWAR—Amid ongoing security threats, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police modernization is receiving an unprecedented boost, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur unveiling a sweeping plan to strengthen law enforcement through cutting-edge weapons, armored vehicles, intelligence-driven policing, and financial reforms.
With a 30bn rupee budget for security enhancements alone, the initiative marks the province’s largest-ever investment in counterterrorism and policing. “Despite financial hardships and years of terrorism, we are ensuring that our security forces have the resources they need,” Gandapur stated. “This is not just about responding to threats—it’s about staying ahead of them.”
A key element of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police modernization is bolstering firepower and mobility. Authorities have procured 4,000 submachine guns, and 105 police vehicles are being converted into bulletproof units at a cost of 321mn rupees. Additionally, 2,423 personnel are being recruited for terror-affected regions, while 3,797 new positions are being created to expand security divisions.
Surveillance capabilities are also being enhanced, with a 2.2bn rupee Safe City project planned for Peshawar and three other districts. “We are transitioning to intelligence-led policing with real-time monitoring,” Gandapur emphasized. Elite training has been ramped up, with 1,200 officers receiving advanced combat instruction. “This is about building a force that is not just reactive but proactive,” the chief minister said.
Beyond policing, the government is undertaking broader financial and social reforms. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded a 55 percent increase in non-tax revenue and a 45 percent rise in tax revenue. The government is also subsidizing 72bn rupees worth of public services. Financial support for fallen officers remains a priority.
Over the past year, nearly 1,000 officers have died in the line of duty. Their families have received 367mn rupees in compensation, while 501 residential plots worth 994mn rupees have been distributed. Additionally, 281 children of martyrs have been recruited into the police force. Healthcare and welfare reforms are also in motion. The provincial government has implemented strict monitoring of the Sehat Insaf Card, saving up to 1bn rupees in expenditures. P
reviously, 70 percent of registered hospitals under the program were private, but after reforms, 70 percent are now public. Direct market purchases have also led to 10bn rupees in savings. To stabilize the province’s finances, the government has established a 30bn rupee endowment fund to repay provincial debt, while a pension fund—previously depleted by caretaker governments—has been replenished with 40bn rupees. Additionally, 25,000 rupees in zakat funds and 200,000 rupees in dowry support are being provided through the social welfare department.
With Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police modernization in full swing and fiscal reforms strengthening provincial stability, the government is positioning itself for long-term resilience against both economic and security challenges.
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