ISLAMABAD, September 28, 2026: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday demanded a year-wise account of counterterrorism funds provided to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework, questioning how the provincial government had utilised the resources amid continuing terrorist attacks.
Addressing a press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Tarar said additional financial resources had been provided to KP specifically to strengthen counterterrorism capabilities and improve public security.
He called on the provincial government to disclose how much funding it had received each year and whether the money had been spent on police equipment, surveillance systems, security infrastructure and other counterterrorism measures.
The minister questioned why Safe City surveillance systems had not been established across the province and why KP lacked a forensic laboratory, requiring investigators to send samples to Lahore for examination.
He said surveillance cameras and modern forensic facilities could help law enforcement agencies identify suspects, trace vehicles involved in attacks and improve investigations.
Referring to the deaths of Captain Mubeen and SSP Zahid Gondal in Punjab, Tarar said Safe City cameras had helped investigators identify facilitators linked to the attacks.
Tarar questions KP government’s security spending
The information minister questioned whether the counterterrorism funds had been used for their intended purposes or diverted towards political activities and other expenditures.
He also raised questions about possible distribution of funds among provincial assembly members and alleged personal financial benefits, without presenting a detailed financial breakdown at the press conference.
Tarar criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration, saying that despite governing KP for approximately 12 and a half years, it had not adequately strengthened the province’s counterterrorism infrastructure.
He questioned the continued presence of non-custom-paid and unregistered vehicles, arguing that a computerised registration system could help security agencies identify vehicles used in terrorist attacks, including vehicle-borne explosive incidents.
According to the minister, a more effective registration mechanism could also generate tax and duty revenue for public welfare and security improvements.
He further questioned whether KP police personnel had received adequate bulletproof jackets, protected vehicles, modern weapons and other equipment needed to confront armed militants.
Tarar claimed the federal government had offered bulletproof vehicles to the province but that the offer had not been accepted.
He also criticised what he described as shortcomings in the province’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), contrasting its capabilities with those of Punjab’s CTD.
Minister urges KP leadership to prioritise counterterrorism
Expressing concern over recent attacks in Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Lakki Marwat, Tarar said civilians, police personnel and other security officials continued to lose their lives to terrorism.
He recalled visiting injured people and meeting bereaved families, including the father of police constable Faheemullah, who was killed in the line of duty.
The minister called for a coordinated national response involving the federal government, armed forces, provincial authorities and political parties.
He urged the KP government to convene law and order meetings in affected districts, consult relevant stakeholders and identify the resources required to address security threats.
Tarar criticised KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for what he described as an excessive focus on political activities while the province faced serious security challenges.
He also questioned the provincial government’s response to reported drone activity originating from Afghanistan towards Kohat and cross-border firing in Kurram.
Referring to a ceremony attended by Afghan delegates, Tarar criticised an incident in which, according to him, two delegates remained seated during Pakistan’s national anthem.
He also referred to an image allegedly showing an Afghan national at Pashtunistan Square in Kabul, claiming that the individual was linked to terrorist activity and an attack on rescue personnel. The allegations were presented by the minister and were not independently substantiated in the press briefing.
Tarar raises concerns over militant resettlement policy
Discussing Pakistan’s counterterrorism history, Tarar criticised the policy of returning and resettling militants during the previous PTI-led federal government’s tenure.
He claimed that terrorism had been brought under control in several areas by 2017 under former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, but subsequent resettlement decisions had contributed to renewed security challenges.
The minister also alleged that illegal mining, gold extraction, timber trade, tobacco-related activities and government contracts were connected to a political-criminal nexus that could undermine counterterrorism efforts.
He called for action against illicit economic activities that could provide financial support to militant networks.
Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed relevant authorities to strengthen measures against smuggling and other illegal activities under the National Action Plan.
Comparing provincial approaches, he cited Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s participation in National Action Plan meetings and efforts to improve police equipment, training and staffing.
He also opposed proposed changes to the recruitment process for deputy superintendents of police in KP, arguing that recruitment through public service commissions helped safeguard merit and professional standards.
According to Tarar, allowing direct recruitment by the provincial government could increase political interference in police appointments, transfers and postings.
Asked about possible administrative developments in KP, the minister said it was premature to comment on what might happen next.
He maintained that the federal government would continue working with the armed forces and other stakeholders to combat terrorism and protect citizens.
The press conference account did not include a response from the KP government to the minister’s allegations.