The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has slashed a proposed Rs42 billion emergency security budget for the provincial police to Rs14 billion, while serious allegations of irregularities involving Rs200 billion allocated for infrastructure and development projects have emerged, according to an investigative report
The police department had sought Rs42 billion in emergency funds to strengthen security operations amid the continuing threat of terrorism in the province. The funds were intended for night-vision equipment, modern weapons, bulletproof police posts and other security requirements.
However, the provincial government reduced the requested amount to Rs14 billion, according to the report.
The funding crisis has deepened further as only Rs1.4 billion of the reduced allocation has reportedly been released despite repeated requests from senior police officials. The amount represents just around 3.3% of the Rs42 billion originally sought by the police.
Police seek funds amid growing terrorism threat
KP police have remained on the frontline of the fight against terrorism, particularly in border districts and merged tribal areas.
Police authorities had repeatedly highlighted the need for better equipment and fortified positions to protect personnel from attacks, particularly during night-time operations.
The investigative report claims that the shortage of funds has left frontline personnel struggling to obtain essential protective equipment and security technology.
The reported lack of night-vision equipment and bulletproof posts has become a major concern for police operating in areas facing militant attacks.
Rs200bn development funds under scrutiny
The report also raises serious allegations concerning the allocation and utilisation of around Rs200 billion earmarked for infrastructure and construction projects in the province.
According to the investigation, questions have been raised over the transparency of the distribution and utilisation of the funds, with allegations that some development projects were shown as completed on paper despite questions over their actual implementation.
The report further alleges that commissions were extracted from some projects and that development funds were not distributed according to the needs of underdeveloped and security-sensitive districts.
These allegations have put the KP government’s financial management and development priorities under renewed scrutiny.
Security needs versus political activities
The report has also highlighted what it describes as a contrast between the funding available for political activities and the resources being provided to police for security operations.
It alleges that provincial resources have been made available for political rallies, protests and activities linked to demonstrations in Islamabad, while police officials have repeatedly sought funds for essential security equipment.
The report argues that the disparity has raised questions about the provincial government’s priorities at a time when police personnel continue to face serious security threats.
Police on frontline against terrorism
KP police have played a central role in counterterrorism operations for more than two decades, suffering significant casualties during attacks and security operations.
The security situation remains particularly challenging in areas bordering Afghanistan and the merged tribal districts, where police and security personnel continue to face attacks.
The report says the increasing threat of attacks conducted under the cover of darkness makes modern surveillance and night-vision technology particularly important for police units deployed in vulnerable areas.
Questions over governance and financial priorities
The reported reduction in emergency police funding has raised broader questions about the provincial government’s administrative priorities.
Police officials have repeatedly sought additional resources to protect personnel and improve operational capabilities. However, according to the investigation, only a fraction of the requested funds has so far been released.
At the same time, allegations surrounding the use and transparency of Rs200 billion in development and infrastructure funds have added to concerns over financial governance in the province.
The allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny of the KP government’s spending priorities, particularly over whether sufficient resources are being directed towards counterterrorism, police protection and basic public needs.
