Brief
Defence Minister Asif blames terrorism for Centre‑KP rift in Pakistan
Kh Asif says Afghan‑linked attacks and police shortfalls fuel the federal‑provincial clash.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told followers on X on Monday that terrorism, not politics, is the core issue straining relations between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration.
He cited roughly 6,200 terrorism‑related incidents in KP over the past two years, which he said caused about 1,200 deaths. Of those, 37 suicide attacks were attributed to Afghan nationals, with 14 occurring this year, according to his post.
Asif highlighted gaps in policing, noting the KP Police force numbers about 125,000, of which 13,000 are assigned to VIP duties and 17,000 sanctioned posts remain vacant. He said the Counter‑Terrorism Department in the merged districts operates with only 17 bullet‑proof vehicles and a staff of roughly 3,300, of whom just 25 are permanent.
The minister claimed the provincial government released only Rs1.2 billion of the Rs42 billion requested for police post reconstruction, alleging misappropriation of the remaining funds.
He also rejected PTI’s claim that the army supports terrorism, arguing that the state’s policy is to eliminate terrorists, not negotiate with them.
Key facts
- Around 6,200 terrorism‑related incidents were reported in KP over the past two years, causing about 1,200 fatalities. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Afghan nationals were said to have carried out 37 suicide attacks in the period, with 14 in the current year. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- KP Police has roughly 125,000 personnel; 13,000 are on VIP duty and 17,000 sanctioned posts are vacant. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The Counter‑Terrorism Department in merged districts has about 3,300 staff, only 25 of whom are permanent. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- KP government released Rs1.2 billion of the Rs42 billion requested for police post reconstruction, according to Asif. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “Terrorism key sticking point between Centre and KP, says Kh Asif”
