ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) Questions have been raised over the operational capacity and resources of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, with a report alleging that the provincial government has failed to provide adequate support to a force operating on the frontline of the fight against terrorism.
According to documents and media reports cited in the report, despite receiving substantial financial resources from the federal government and under the National Finance Commission arrangements, the province’s police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) continue to face shortages of personnel, protective vehicles, forensic facilities and other operational equipment.
The report claims that the KP CTD has only 17 bulletproof vehicles and 25 permanent employees. Separate reporting based on official police documents has also identified the CTD’s staffing and equipment shortages, stating that the department has a total strength of 3,844 personnel but only 25 permanent employees. The department reportedly relies heavily on personnel deputed from the executive police.
The reported shortage of secure vehicles and modern equipment has become a particular concern given the nature of security threats confronting the province. The CTD is responsible for counterterrorism operations across KP, where police and security personnel regularly operate in areas exposed to militant attacks.
The report further highlights a significant manpower gap within the provincial police force. It claims that the police are facing a shortage of around 17,000 personnel, while approximately 13,500 officers and personnel are deployed on security duties for politicians, officials and sensitive installations.
These figures have fueled debate over how available police manpower is being distributed at a time when law enforcement agencies are facing persistent security challenges.
The report also raises concerns about forensic capabilities. It claims that KP’s CTD continues to rely on Punjab’s forensic laboratory for important data-forensic requirements linked to counterterrorism investigations.
However, the reported shortcomings come alongside several initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s security apparatus. Official and media reports show that KP Police received modern armoured vehicles, bulletproof vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment during 2026. In August, the police also distributed Dragon APCs and other vehicles to districts including Tank, Hangu and Buner to improve operational preparedness.
Earlier in the year, the provincial government also announced measures to provide additional equipment to the police, including bulletproof vehicles, weapons, protective gear and sniper rifles.
Meanwhile, official documents cited in recent reporting indicate that more resources are being allocated to expand the CTD. A report based on police documents said more than Rs7.77 billion had been approved for strengthening the department, with Rs7.05 billion released, while recruitment of 638 field operators was also underway.
The contrasting figures have intensified the discussion over whether existing resources are reaching frontline units quickly enough and whether the province’s counterterrorism infrastructure is keeping pace with security requirements.
The issue has also emerged amid a wider debate over proposed changes to the KP Police Act, including changes concerning the administrative and operational authority of the police leadership. Recent reports said the proposed legislation could alter the powers of the inspector general and other senior police officials.
The debate over police resources, manpower and administrative control is likely to remain significant as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to confront serious security challenges and seeks to strengthen its counterterrorism response.
