Khyber Pakhtunkhwa commits Rs5.5 billion to bolster police force

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is witnessing significant investment in its police department following a critical meeting led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. The meeting, which took place on March 19, 2025, resulted in the decision to allocate Rs5.5 billion to the provincial police force to strengthen its operational capabilities. The funds aim to improve law enforcement through various initiatives, including enhancing vehicle security, purchasing modern equipment, and increasing police salaries to compete with those in other provinces. This move emphasizes the provincial government's priority to maintain law and order amid growing security challenges. The first part of the allocated budget includes Rs3 billion for bulletproofing police vehicles and procuring advanced technology. In addition, Rs1.3 billion will be used to establish Special Weapons and Tactics teams across districts. Rs500 million is designated for the construction of police stations, and Rs720 million will support the acquisition of essential equipment like night vision goggles and sniper rifles. These allocations are a response to the need for improved safety measures for police personnel working in volatile areas and to address the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. Moreover, the Chief Minister underscored the necessity of aligning police salaries with those of police officers from neighboring provinces, acknowledging that competitive salaries are vital for retaining skilled personnel. The decisions reflect a broader strategy to enhance the overall effectiveness of the police force and are part of a sustained effort to invest in law enforcement resources and capabilities. In a related development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet also approved a policy shift under the Composite Security Model, which will transition security responsibilities from military forces to police in areas deemed to have lower terrorist threats. This policy, however, preserves the military's role in volatile districts where such security dynamics exist. As the provincial government continues to allocate substantial resources to enhance police capabilities, the commitment to public safety remains evident, signifying a comprehensive approach to tackling security issues faced by community members. Overall, these developments highlight a strategic response to the current security landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the provincial leadership seeks to bolster law enforcement measures effectively.