Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has rolled out a fresh plan to fight terrorism more effectively. The provincial home secretary Amjad Ali Khan shared the details at a press conference in Peshawar. He confirmed that the government will set up faceless ATCs for the trial of terrorism suspects.
Under this new system, the identities of judges, witnesses, police officers and other key people will stay hidden during court hearings. The goal is to protect them from threats by terrorists or their networks. New legislation is being prepared for this purpose. People involved in the cases will still have the right to appeal any decision in the High Court.
Khan explained that the earlier PTI-backed government failed to give proper support for counter-terrorism work and the return of Afghan refugees. That government allocated Rs6.4 billion for 22 districts but released only Rs1 billion. Now the federal and provincial governments are working together on the same page.
The home secretary announced that intelligence-based operations will increase. Authorities will also arrest those who provide support to terrorists. Anti-drone systems are being installed in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Bannu to improve security.
A major funding boost is on the way. Rs70 billion will go to the police and Counter Terrorism Department this year. Of this amount, Rs59.8 billion is set aside for better police infrastructure and Rs10.3 billion for the CTD. Officials plan to raise the CTD’s capacity from 12 percent to 37 percent. The police force currently faces a 15 percent staff shortage. The target is to bring that figure down to 5 percent.
Beyond courts and operations, the province will strengthen community-level efforts. Dispute Resolution Councils and liaison committees in tribal areas will become more active. The traditional jirga system will also get support. In addition, 400 police facilitation smart desks will open so citizens can register complaints and access services more easily.
These steps form part of a complete new strategy. The focus remains on protecting those who serve justice while building stronger links between the police and the public.
