DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Special Security Committee meeting held here on Tuesday.
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati chaired the meeting convened to review law and order situation in the province, a handout said.
Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Deputy Secretary for Information Shaukat Yousafzai, and members of the Police Committee, including the Inspector General (IG) of Police attended the meeting.
The police chief briefed the forum on the security situation across the province, highlighting significant challenges, especially the increasing use of advanced weaponry and drone technology by terrorists.
“This poses a serious threat to public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts,” he said and added that the police, in response, were focused on expanding their counter-terrorism capabilities. Shaukat Yousafzai, in his remarks after the meeting, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by the province.
He announced that around 600 new recruits would be added to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the police force to strengthen their efforts against terrorism.
He further revealed that the police would be equipped with anti-drone technology at the divisional level to counter the growing use of drones by terrorists.
Yousafzai also provided an update on the Safe City project, stating that it is expected to be completed by the end of January. This project is set to improve surveillance and enhance the safety infrastructure within the city.
Additionally, he mentioned that there are over 90 vacant positions at the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) level, with efforts underway to fill these gaps and modernize the police force’s equipment.
This includes the acquisition of advanced weapons to match the firepower of terrorists, who are reportedly using American-made firearms.
The meeting also focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing efforts between provincial and federal authorities, with an emphasis on better coordination to tackle the growing threat of terrorism.
Despite limited manpower and budgetary constraints, Yousafzai acknowledged the police’s encouraging results in combating terrorism and emphasized that funds are being allocated to equip the police with the necessary tools to face these threats head-on.
Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ibadullah, noted that further meetings would be held to finalize the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the committee, and additional briefings would be conducted.
Dr. Ibadullah also mentioned that the Corps Commander would be invited for a future briefing to discuss the security situation in greater detail.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam emphasized the importance of the IG’s briefing, adding that the committee would continue its work by inviting the Corps Commander in the upcoming sessions. He also confirmed that orders for the procurement of weapons were already being processed, ensuring that the police are better equipped to handle the current security challenges.
