Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan stated on Friday that the provincial government has set aside a record portion of its budget for policing and counter-terrorism, as the province continues to face mounting security challenges. Addressing a press conference following the 53rd meeting of the provincial cabinet, the minister outlined key decisions covering police reforms, digital governance, health, agriculture, and administrative matters.
Record Police Budget
Shafi Jan announced that the provincial government has allocated Rs170 billion for the police during the current fiscal year, representing 8.7 percent of the total provincial budget—the highest ratio among all provinces. In comparison, Punjab allocated 3.9 percent of its budget to policing, while Sindh allocated 5.9 percent. Police funding has increased by 37 percent over the past two years, with an additional Rs46 billion reserved for modernisation, including intelligence systems, weapons, surveillance technology, and training facilities. Rs17 billion is being spent on development projects in the security sector, while more than Rs18 billion has been allocated for police salaries and operational expenditures.
Security and Police Reforms
The minister highlighted that certain districts of the province continue to face security threats. The government prioritises security alongside health and education, directing substantial resources towards counter-terrorism operations and police reforms. Currently, there is one police officer for every 291 citizens in the province, and 3,550 new police posts have been created, including in merged districts. The government also released Rs749 million under the Shuhada compensation package covering 312 cases and intends to increase the police budget by another 12 percent in the next fiscal year.
Criticism of Federal Government
Shafi Jan criticised the federal government over resource distribution, alleging that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has historically been denied its due share despite constitutional guarantees granting provinces priority rights over their natural resources. He noted that the province produces 508 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas against a domestic requirement of 180 MMCFD, yet continues to face shortages affecting industries and households. He also criticised restrictions on wheat transportation from Punjab, claiming adverse effects on flour mills and local markets.
Development and Merged Districts
Regarding development funding for merged districts, allocations under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) have been reduced from Rs42 billion to Rs37 billion, with only Rs22 billion released so far. The cabinet approved the merger of the Levies Force into the police system in Malakand district to introduce a uniform policing structure.
Digital Transformation Policy
The cabinet approved the Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030, which envisions reforms in governance through digitisation, cyber security frameworks, digital payments, and integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics into public administration.
Agriculture Sector
In agriculture, the cabinet approved the reconstitution of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Seed Council to improve seed quality, strengthen agricultural research, and enhance food security.
Health Initiatives
Several health sector initiatives were cleared, including the construction of women’s hostels and a multi-storey parking plaza at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology. The cabinet also approved a transparent recruitment mechanism for Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs), payment of pending salaries to 906 health technicians and vaccinators, and a formal salary structure for contractual employees. Financial assistance of Rs760 million was approved for nine patients requiring expensive medical treatment.
Other Decisions
The cabinet sanctioned a grant of Rs2 million for the Youth Leaders Parliament and Rs9.982 million for the National T20 Cricket Cup 2025-26 to be held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. The meeting also approved the procurement of 29 containerised office and residential units for deputy commissioners in Khyber and Kurram districts and extended the services of assistant qazis in Malakand Division. The cabinet reviewed a report on gold block auctions and endorsed its recommendations for further implementation.
