The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has finalized a Provincial Action Plan aimed at enhancing counterterrorism efforts by assigning a leading role to the civil administration. This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, is structured around seven key pillars: counterterrorism measures, political and social initiatives, legal reforms, good governance, general administrative measures, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

Key Features of the Provincial Action Plan:

  • Strengthening State Authority: The plan emphasizes restoring public confidence through visible actions against terrorists and the continuation of kinetic operations.
  • Comprehensive Database: A centralized database of terrorists and their facilitators will be established, with regular updates to Schedule IV and strict surveillance of listed individuals.
  • Capacity Enhancement: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) will undergo fast-track capacity building, including new recruitment, training, and procurement of modern weapons and equipment.
  • Legal Reforms: The plan includes strict enforcement of counterterrorism laws and actions against illegal activities funding terrorism, such as smuggling of narcotics and weapons.
  • Intelligence Integration: A centralized intelligence collection and sharing system will be developed, integrating local databases with provincial and federal agencies.
  • Community Engagement: Public Liaison Committees at police station levels will be constituted to enhance community oversight of security threats.

This comprehensive approach reflects KP’s commitment to addressing the surge in terrorist activities, particularly in its settled and tribal districts. By empowering the civil administration and integrating various strategic measures, the Provincial Action Plan aims to restore peace and stability in the region.