The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has made public safety a priority by increasing police budget to modernise and strengthen its police force.
In a statement released on Sunday, KP announced that it has allocated 8.7 percent of its total budget to the police department, which amounts to a major Rs. 170 billion for law enforcement and security in the current fiscal year.
This includes a 37 percent increase in the budget, adding Rs. 46 billion in just one fiscal year, all funded through the provincial government’s own revenue generation.
Along with the funding boost, the provincial government has established 3,550 new police positions despite financial constraints, resulting in a staffing ratio of one police officer for every 291 citizens.
To boost anti-terrorism efforts, funds have been allocated to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch for the purchase of modern weapons, advanced equipment, and essential technical gear.
Although terrorism is a national issue, these investments have allowed the province to maintain a lower rate of traditional crimes such as murder, robbery, theft, and kidnapping compared to other provinces, showcasing the sacrifices and professionalism of the KP Police as a source of national pride.
The KP government has also independently allocated over Rs. 15 billion for the relief and rehabilitation of individuals affected by Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs).
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