PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has formally written to the Peshawar corps commander, requesting an in-camera briefing on the prevailing law and order situation and ongoing security operations across the province. The request reflects growing concern within the provincial legislature over the deteriorating security environment, particularly in the merged districts.
In a letter issued by KP Assembly Deputy Secretary Tariq Noor, the Special Committee on Security expressed its desire to receive a comprehensive briefing from Headquarters XI Corps. The committee said it wanted detailed information on operations conducted by federal authorities and law enforcement agencies in the merged areas. The committee includes more than 40 members, including the leader of the house, the leader of the opposition, provincial ministers and parliamentary leaders of major political parties.
The letter, dated January 8, noted that the committee had already received briefings from key civilian stakeholders. These include the chief secretary, the additional chief secretary, and the inspector general of police. However, the committee said it now sought direct engagement with senior military leadership as part of a broader consultative process.
Rising terror incidents intensify scrutiny of security approach
The request comes at a time when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to bear the brunt of terrorist violence. According to recent remarks by ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the province accounted for nearly 71 percent of all terrorist incidents reported nationwide in 2025. He attributed the situation to what he described as a politically conducive environment and the presence of a political-criminal-terror nexus.
He also said law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations across the country last year, including 14,658 in KP. Out of 5,397 terrorism incidents reported nationwide, 3,811 occurred in the province.
Political divide shapes debate on operations and dialogue
Meanwhile, differences persist between the PTI-led KP government and the federal authorities over how to address militancy. The provincial leadership has repeatedly emphasised political engagement and dialogue, while the Centre has continued to prioritise kinetic operations.
This tension is reflected in the assembly’s letter, which acknowledged the importance of security measures but warned that operations alone, without political, social and developmental initiatives, may fail to deliver lasting peace and could deepen instability.
