ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level federal cabinet meeting on Sunday to review the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with police and intelligence reports highlighting a reported 195% increase in terrorist incidents between March 1, 2024, and September 23, 2026.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and other federal ministers.
According to government sources, the cabinet is examining the growing number of terrorist attacks, security challenges, administrative shortcomings and measures required to restore peace and stability in the province.
Special security reports prepared by KP Police and intelligence agencies were presented to the prime minister and the cabinet. Sources said major constitutional and administrative decisions concerning the province were also under consideration.
Security Reports Highlight Rising Terrorism
According to the reports presented at the meeting, terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased by 195% between March 1, 2024, and September 23, 2026.
The reports identified the presence of militant elements in Afghanistan, alleged local facilitation and shortcomings in provincial policies and counterterrorism measures as factors contributing to the deteriorating security situation. These assessments reflect the findings attributed to the security reports.
The reports also highlighted links between militant networks, local facilitators and illegal activities, describing them as significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Police and Security Forces Increasingly Targeted
According to the reports, police and security agencies were the targets of 73% of terrorist attacks recorded in KP during 2026.
The reports also pointed to a sharp increase in the use of drones by militant groups. While no drone attacks against police and security forces were reported in 2024, the number reportedly reached 170 in 2026, representing an increase of approximately 107% over the period cited in the report.
The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has also remained a major concern. The number of IED attacks reportedly rose to 181 in 2025, while 159 incidents had been recorded by September 2026.
Shortages in Police and Counterterrorism Capacity
The security assessments identified significant personnel and equipment shortages within KP Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
According to the reports, more than 9,000 police positions remain vacant across the province. Police and counterterrorism units are also facing shortages of modern weapons, operational equipment, surveillance technology, night-vision devices and thermal-imaging systems.
The reports highlighted a lack of armoured and protected vehicles in the southern districts most affected by terrorism, saying the shortage had affected police mobility and operational capacity.
The Safe City project also remains limited to Peshawar rather than covering the province as a whole, according to the reports.
The assessments further noted that police in the merged districts face shortages of training, resources and operational capacity.
The CTD was also reported to be facing a serious shortage of specially trained personnel, with continued reliance on regular police staff. Its district offices, operational facilities and specialised infrastructure were described as inadequate to meet growing security requirements.
The reports stressed the need to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and upgrade counterterrorism infrastructure to respond to evolving militant tactics.
Cabinet Expresses Concern Over Governance and Security
Government sources said the cabinet committee expressed serious concern over rising terrorism, institutional weaknesses and the governance situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The reports reviewed gaps in security preparedness, counterterrorism operations and provincial response mechanisms, alongside the factors contributing to the worsening law-and-order situation.
Governor’s Rule and Emergency Under Discussion
The cabinet meeting follows a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, during which the country’s overall political and security situation was discussed.
According to sources cited in the report, an understanding had reportedly been reached regarding the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate have reportedly been scheduled for October 13, as the government considers its response to the province’s security challenges.
No final decision on the proposed constitutional measures was confirmed in the information provided.