PESHAWAR
The deadly terrorist attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters on Monday morning, which left three security personnel martyred, has raised serious questions over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s decision to return armoured vehicles to the federal government and the provincial assembly’s resolution seeking withdrawal of the “aid to civil power” regulation.
Security experts and former officials termed the decisions irrational and unwise in light of the rising threat of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and urged for a review.
The suicide attack on the FC headquarters carried out at the main gate with two additional bombers killed inside the premises once again underscored the growing threats of terrorism in the province and need decisive action by KP Govt.
Analysts say the people of KP cannot afford such irrational decisions that weaken security preparedness at a time when threats are escalating in the province.
The attack spotlighted the brutality of the Indian-sponsored militant group of Fitna-ul-Khawarij (TTP), which continues to target security forces and civilians in an attempt to destabilize Pakistan. However, the unity of the nation and the sacrifices of the security forces have repeatedly foiled such plots.
The FC’s swift response today demonstrated that Pakistani forces remain fully alert and capable of countering terrorist attacks with strength and professionalism.
From the 2014 Army Public School (APS) tragedy to the Jaffar Express train attack earlier this year, and now the FC headquarters assault, Pakistani troops have consistently reacted promptly, eliminating terrorists and preventing greater loss of life.
“The entire nation salutes the brave soldiers who foiled today’s suicide attack and neutralized all terrorists, saving precious lives,” said Brig (R) Mahmood Shah, former Secretary Law and Order of the erstwhile FATA, while speaking to APP.
Brig Mahmod Shah criticized the KP Chief Minister’s decision to return armoured vehicles to the federal government and the KP Assembly’s resolution favouring withdrawal of the ‘aid to civil power’ regulation.
He said such steps were “beyond comprehension” at a time when the police, FC, and army are sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism.
He accused India of launching a intensified proxy war against Pakistan especially after crushing defeat in the May conflict using TTP and BLA militants based in Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan.
He added that Afghan soil continues being used for training and executing terrorist attacks, while the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to honour its Doha commitments.
Former IGP and Home Secretary Akhtar Ali Shah praised the FC’s professionalism in thwarting the attack. He said swift progress under CPEC had rattled hostile forces, particularly India, prompting them to use terrorism as a tool to derail development in Balochistan and KP.
He added that poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities in marginalized areas create fertile ground for extremist recruitment, adding social division, economic disparities, and ideological manipulation further harm peace and progress.
“We cannot ignore the deep-rooted conspiracies and sabotage activities by enemies who have sought to destabilize Pakistan since its creation,” he said.
He referenced historical Indian aggression including the wars of 1948, 1965, 1971, Siachen, and recent attacks as well as water terrorism.
Professor Dr Zahid Anwar of the University of Peshawar commended the FC for its bravery, adding gunmen aimed to break the morale of security personnel but failed.
He emphasized developing tribal and remote areas through jobs, education, and sports to protect youth from extremist influences.
“Youth need positive engagement, not alienation. The revival of hujra culture, cinema, and traditional sports can counter radicalization,” he said.
He stressed community-based initiatives, awareness campaigns, and educational reforms to reshape narratives and combat extremist propaganda.
Opposition Leader in KP Assembly Dr Ebad Khan highlighted the major successes achieved after the 2014 APS attack during Nawaz Sharif’s government. The National Action Plan (NAP), NACTA’s strengthening, and special anti-terror courts helped eliminate terrorism at that time, he said.
He praised the current PML-N government for prioritizing youth empowerment through free laptops, scholarships, and soft loans.
“Such initiatives protect young minds from extremist influence,” he added. Experts unanimously stressed the need for an inclusive, holistic approach involving political ownership, educational reforms, socioeconomic justice, and national unity.
They said that CM KP carries the primary responsibility to protect the people of the province.
They advocated a “carrot and stick” strategy eliminating hardened terrorists with force while offering reintegration opportunities to those willing to renounce violence.
“Terrorism thrives in divided societies but dies down in united ones,” Brigadier Mahmood observed.
Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the terrorist attack, praising FC personnel for their bravery and swift action.
He paid rich tribute to the force for exemplary courage, reaffirming that such cowardly acts cannot deter the nation’s resolve.
“The entire nation stands united with its security forces in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
