Interior ministry criticises KP CM for rejecting vehicles meant for anti-terror operations
KP CM Labels Bulletproof Vehicles ‘Insult to Police’; Centre Fires Back
A political spat has erupted between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration, following Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s directive to return bulletproof vehicles provided by the Interior Ministry. The controversy began after CM Afridi, during his first high-level meeting on law and order, criticised the vehicles as “old and defective,” calling them an “insult to KP police”.
The vehicles, originally handed over by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, were intended to support the police in counterterrorism operations across the province. However, Afridi ordered they be returned, citing concerns over their condition and suitability.
Interior Ministry Slams Move, Cites Escalating Terror Threats in KP
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry strongly condemned the KP government’s decision, accusing it of “avoiding the fight against terrorism.” In a press conference held in Islamabad, Chaudhry asserted that the returned vehicles were fully functional, equipped with bulletproof and bombproof features, and had previously been used by top government officials, including a former KP chief minister.
He called the move “regrettable,” especially at a time when cross-border terrorism and TTP activity are surging in KP and Balochistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, terror attacks have increased significantly, with more than 600 incidents reported in KP in the first eight months of 2025 alone. These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 138 civilians and 79 police officers, with over 100 others injured.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also criticised the provincial government’s decision, saying, “KP should be asking for more support from the Centre, not rejecting it.” Speaking to reporters in Peshawar, Kundi said he could not understand why the CM had refused the vehicles, especially given the province’s security situation.
PTI Defends Move, Demands New Vehicles for Police
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan defended the KP government’s stance but urged the Centre to provide modern, high-quality vehicles instead. Speaking outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after visiting party founder Imran Khan, Gohar revealed that the vehicles had previously been used by the United Nations before being handed over to the KP police.
According to sources familiar with the matter, at least three bulletproof vehicles were provided, and while they are around 15 years old, they remain operational and effective.
The controversy reflects growing tensions between the Centre and the PTI-led KP government, particularly over security cooperation and resource sharing. As terror threats grow, both sides continue to trade accusations over who bears responsibility for protecting frontline forces.
