The federal government has approved the establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gilgit-Baltistan, authorizing the creation of 613 new posts to combat terrorism and violent incidents, particularly along the strategically vital Karakoram Highway.
The decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the capacity of GB Police by addressing gaps in manpower and technical resources, ensuring effective responses to terror-related threats and enabling comprehensive investigations.
The move follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive during his November 6 visit last year, where he ordered the establishment of the CTD within six months. Despite the approval, however, both federal and regional authorities are grappling with funding challenges.
Financial responsibility for the new posts has been placed on the already resource-constrained GB government, while allocations for civil works, including the construction of a CTD headquarters in Gilgit and a regional office in Chilas costing Rs720.5 million, have been deferred until the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives explained that “reduced fiscal space in PSDP” and substantial existing commitments to GB left little room for new allocations. It advised the GB government to either manage the project from its own resources or approach the Finance Division for recurring budget support.
The GB Home Department, however, stressed that its regional budget is already overstretched due to resource shortages and ongoing flood-related expenses.
While the Federal Finance Division concurred with the creation of the 613 posts, it imposed strict conditions, clarifying that the financial burden must be borne entirely by the GB government without additional federal funding.
Despite these hurdles, the establishment of a CTD in Gilgit-Baltistan marks a critical step in strengthening regional security against terrorism and safeguarding key national routes.
