Police seek allowance amid terror surge

Proposed amount to cost around Rs4.2b per month

PESHAWAR:

As terrorism resurfaces in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial police have sought a special allowance for their personnel from the government, with the proposal estimated to cost around Rs4.2 billion per month.

The province has registered a total of 1,588 terrorism-related cases across 14 districts in 2025.

The Central Police Office (CPO) forwarded a summary to K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, stating that the provincial government prioritised the enhancement of police capacity and welfare in view of terrorism and security challenges.

"Due to the government's focused efforts and effective administrative measures, not only has the law and order situation improved, but the government's overall public image has also strengthened," the summary read.

It further noted that police personnel were receiving special financial incentives, including a terrorism allowance, in view of the grave risks, operational responsibilities, and constant exposure to threats they face on a routine basis.

The summary said these steps were aimed at raising morale within the force and helping officers perform their responsibilities with greater confidence.

It added that K-P police remained persistently engaged in confronting terrorists and insurgents, frequently putting their lives at risk because of their frontline responsibilities.

"KP police have made countless sacrifices, including the loss of precious lives and serious injuries," the summary reads.

The document maintained that duty of police officials in K-P remained extremely risky, and exposed them to the threats of bombings, targeted attacks and other violent activities carried out by extremist elements.

It stated that the provincial police were performing their duties without any additional financial incentive, despite the challenging security environment and the operational nature of their assignments, in view of the continuous high-risk duties performed by all cadres of the force.

It sought a special allowance, equivalent to one basic pay, be granted to all ranks of the provincial force.

"The provision of this allowance will not only recognise the extraordinary services and sacrifices of K-P police but will significantly enhance their morale, efficiency, and motivation in carrying out critical security operations throughout the province," the summary stated.

The document noted that the special allowance would amount to Rs4.2bn per month.

Meanwhile, a police report on Tuesday revealed a worrying rise in terrorist activities across K-P during 2025.

According to official data, a total of 1,588 terrorism-related cases have been registered in 14 districts of the province. The report states that 7,111 suspects were nominated in these cases.

The highest number of accused, 3,437 were nominated in cases registered in Bannu alone.

In terms of districts, North Waziristan recorded 181 incidents, Peshawar reported 163, while DI Khan registered 152 terrorism-related cases.

The number of nominated suspects stands at 887 in North Waziristan and 865 in Peshawar, while DI Khan has also recorded a significant number of accused.

Police officials confirmed that Bannu remains the most affected district, while dangerous terror activities continue in North Waziristan and DI Khan as well.

Police maintained that law enforcement agencies are continuously conducting operations to curb terrorism and apprehend those involved, with the aim of ensuring peace and stability across the province.

(With input from APP)