CTD ops hindered by resource gap

Despite the provision of billions, K-P has failed to equip the dept with latest weapons, facilities

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) finds itself grappling with an alarming surge in terrorism, yet it has failed to establish offices and headquarters for its Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) or provide it with modern vehicles and essential arms and ammunition.

Despite receiving millions of rupees over the past nine years, the CTD lacks a dedicated headquarters building, which was supposed to have been completed years ago.

Additionally, offices in the Malakand, Bannu, and Kohat regions remain unfinished, severely hampering the efficiency of this vital counter-terrorism unit.

According to data available with The Express Tribune, the province received a substantial sum of Rs415 billion from 2010 to 2023 to address the losses inflicted by waves of terrorism.

Also read K-P urges federal audit of anti-terror funds

These funds were allocated for various purposes, including infrastructure rehabilitation, school construction, police station establishment, and the creation of anti-terrorism courts.

Of this sum, Rs15 billion went towards compensating the families of terrorism victims, Rs1.7 billion was earmarked for establishing anti-terrorism courts, and Rs17.2 billion was allocated for security allowances. Furthermore, a substantial Rs33.88 billion was allocated for security-related projects.

Surprisingly, the province invested significantly in 2009-10 in the purchase of arms and ammunition for the police. However, despite this extensive spending, official sources have revealed that the CTD remains ill-equipped, lacking the modern tools and resources necessary to effectively combat the recent surge in militancy.

An official lamented, “There is a critical shortage of offices, regional headquarters, vehicles, and a running budget for the CTD, which has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.”

Background

The situation prompted the caretaker government to formally request assistance from the federal government to conduct a comprehensive audit of the anti-terrorism funds allocated to the province during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure. This request, conveyed through an official letter, was addressed to the finance department and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

The audit request was driven by a commitment made by the former Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, who pledged a dedicated scrutiny of the Rs470 billion funds channeled by the federal government under the counter-terrorism allocation to ensure their proper and rightful utilization.

Taking this commitment seriously, the K-P caretaker government urged the involvement of the Auditor General of Pakistan to lead the audit team, ensuring impartiality and credibility. The letter also highlighted the need to precisely determine the quantum of funds received by K-P as per the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

The allocated funds for police, home affairs, and tribal departments require meticulous assessment, with a particular focus on contrasting the increased expenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2023.