Federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governments Align; Army to Hand Over Malakand Security Duties to Provincial Authorities

**Peshawar (Qudrat Daily):** The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided that the security responsibilities currently handled by the army in the **Malakand Division** will be gradually transferred to the **provincial police, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement agencies**. This decision comes after a high-level meeting to review the overall law and order situation in the province.

The meeting was attended by KP Chief Minister **Mohammad Sohail Afridi**, Federal Interior Minister **Moeen Naqvi**, representatives of the federal government, and senior civil and military officials. Special Assistant on Information **Shafi Jan**, Finance Advisor **Mazmmil Aslam**, and Law Minister **Aftab Alam** briefed the media on the outcomes.

They stated that as peace is restored in affected areas, responsibilities and services will be handed over to the civil administration. In Malakand, full authority will now be delegated to the police, CTD, and provincial law enforcement agencies. Similar transfers will occur in other districts once anti-terrorism operations are completed.

Finance Advisor Mazmmil Aslam highlighted KP’s ongoing financial challenges, stating that if the province receives its due share from the NFC award, many major issues could be resolved. Despite limited federal funds, the KP government continues to fulfill its obligations in the merged districts, and proposals were presented to address future financial challenges.

The meeting also discussed the economic impact of operations and market closures on local livelihoods. Assurances were given that alternative trade arrangements and employment opportunities would be provided, and both federal and provincial governments would compensate affected areas.

Law Minister Aftab Alam described the decisions on law and order as historic, reflecting confidence in KP police. Political, religious, and tribal stakeholders will be consulted to ensure effective implementation, and provincial apex committee decisions will be validated at the national apex committee level.

**Federal Interior Minister Moeen Naqvi Visits KP Governor House**
Federal Interior Minister **Moeen Naqvi** met Governor KP **Faisal Karim Kundi** at the Governor House in Peshawar to discuss the province’s security situation. The governor welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to host PSL matches in Peshawar, calling it a major step to promote sports and youth engagement.

Both the federal and provincial governments emphasized their commitment to providing sports, employment opportunities, and ensuring sustainable peace while eliminating terrorism in KP. The governor also expressed grief over the Islamabad Imambargah blast and requested prompt financial assistance for victims’ families, recommending **Presidential Sitara-e-Shujaat** for martyr **Syed Aun Abbas**, who prevented the suicide attack.