Security Situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Public Opinion

A recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan indicates that a majority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) residents are content with the security landscape and the government’s initiatives to uphold law and order within the province. The survey included responses from 3,000 individuals across KP.

Public Satisfaction Levels
  • Approximately 58% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction regarding the security conditions in their respective localities.
  • Conversely, 40% voiced their discontent with the prevailing security situation.
Government Measures and Public Perception
  • Regarding the KP government’s efforts to maintain law and order, 58% of respondents indicated satisfaction.
  • A considerable 38% expressed dissatisfaction with these measures, while 4% remained undecided.
Concerns Over Terrorism
  • A significant 57% of the population voiced apprehension about a potential escalation in terrorist activities.
  • Meanwhile, 40% stated they did not anticipate an increase in terrorism, and 2% did not provide an answer.
  • Notably, in southern KP regions, including Dera Ismail Khan and Hangu, 72% of residents expressed fears of rising terrorist incidents.
Government Success in Combating Terrorism

The survey revealed divided opinions on the government’s achievements in countering terrorism:

  • 50% of respondents believed the government had effectively addressed terrorism.
  • However, 44% viewed the government’s efforts as unsuccessful.
Evaluation of Security Measures

Residents offered varied assessments of the security measures implemented by the provincial government:

  • 45% deemed the measures as adequate.
  • 17% considered them excessive.
  • 34% felt the measures were insufficient, while 4% did not respond.
Satisfaction in Kurram District
  • In Kurram District, 51% of respondents were pleased with the government’s performance in maintaining law and order.
  • 34% expressed dissatisfaction.
  • Additionally, 36% were dissatisfied with the police service, and 5% did not offer an opinion.
CTD Report: KP as a Terrorism Hotspot

These findings are juxtaposed against a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) report, which identifies KP as one of the provinces most severely impacted by terrorism, reporting 284 incidents thus far this year.

Regional Breakdown of Terrorist Incidents
  • North Waziristan recorded the highest number of incidents at 53.
  • Followed by Bannu (35), Dera Ismail Khan (31), Peshawar (13), and Kurram (8).
Legal Actions and Arrests

The CTD also highlighted that 1,116 individuals have been implicated in terrorism-related cases across KP, including 391 from North Waziristan and 166 from Kurram. To date, 95 arrests have been made this year, including 70 in Kurram, and 3 each in Swat and Bannu.

Casualties

The CTD report further indicated that 148 terrorists have been killed in the province this year, with Dera Ismail Khan reporting the highest number of fatalities (67).

Increase in Attacks

In 2024, at least 732 attacks were documented in KP, following 651 attacks in 2023. The number of attacks during these two years is the highest since 2009 and 2010.