Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger action against rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as disagreements between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration continue over security policy.
On October 7, 2026, Shehbaz Sharif met Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in Islamabad. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister said terrorism in KP must be stopped at all costs. He also stressed the need for the province to develop alongside other parts of Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Action Against Terrorism in KP
During the meeting, the prime minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism. He said the government wanted the province to progress and provide better opportunities for its residents.
The meeting also covered matters relating to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to continue measures aimed at improving public welfare, development and access to basic facilities in these regions.
His remarks came as security concerns in KP remained a major issue in discussions between federal officials and the provincial government.
Federal Minister Accuses KP Government of Security Failures
On October 10, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the PTI-led KP government over its handling of governance and counterterrorism infrastructure.
Tarar alleged that the province had received Rs700 billion through the National Finance Commission (NFC) but had failed to make sufficient improvements to key security facilities. He specifically referred to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), forensic laboratories and Safe City surveillance cameras.
The information minister also questioned the availability of security infrastructure in the merged tribal districts and at the province’s entry and exit points.
These claims were made by the federal government and have not been independently established in the information available for this report.
Political Tensions Between Islamabad and KP Continue
Disagreements over counterterrorism policy have added to the strained relationship between Islamabad and the PTI-led provincial government.
The dispute has also unfolded alongside PTI’s protest march towards Islamabad, which began on October 4. The federal government has called for greater cooperation against militant groups, while PTI has raised objections to the Centre’s approach to security decisions affecting the province.
The key challenge remains coordination between federal and provincial authorities to address terrorism and improve security across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further statements from both sides will help clarify whether they can reach agreement on future counterterrorism measures.
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