Key Points
- Martyrs’ families may receive housing and improved compensation packages.
- Police salaries to be reviewed in light of security risks.
- Modern training and equipment proposed to strengthen counterterrorism operations.
- The Counter Terrorism Department is also expected to receive capacity enhancements.
- The governor has sought improved educational support for martyrs’ families.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has approved four key measures to improve police welfare, salaries and operational capabilities, including better housing and compensation for the families of personnel killed in the line of duty.
The measures include bringing the provincial police’s compensation package closer to those offered in other provinces, increasing salaries in view of heightened security risks, providing modern training and equipment and releasing funds previously promised to the force.
The initiative comes as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces persistent security challenges and renewed debate over the resources available to law-enforcement agencies operating on the frontline of the fight against terrorism.
According to an official statement issued by the Governor’s House following a high-level security meeting on October 11, the participants decided to review the police martyrs’ package and salaries, while the governor called for strengthening the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to address prevailing security threats.
Police welfare package
The proposed measures seek to address longstanding concerns about the welfare of serving police personnel and families who lose their breadwinners in the line of duty.
The martyrs’ package is to be reviewed, with housing support for bereaved families among the measures highlighted in the proposal. The objective is to improve assistance for families of personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.
Salaries under review
The proposed salary increase reflects concerns about the risks faced by police personnel deployed in terrorism-affected areas.
In February 2025, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the provincial police had comparatively lower salaries and welfare benefits despite facing an exceptionally challenging security environment. He called for improvements in the force’s pay and compensation arrangements.
The issue has also featured in discussions about parity with police forces in other provinces, particularly Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
Training and equipment
Another proposed measure focuses on strengthening the operational capabilities of the provincial police to respond to evolving security threats.
The plan calls for modern training, equipment and resources to help personnel perform their duties more effectively.
The official statement from the October 11 meeting specifically identified the police and the CTD as institutions whose capacity would be enhanced to meet security challenges. The meeting was attended by senior civil and law enforcement officials, including the provincial police chief and senior CTD representatives.
The effectiveness of this measure will depend on the equipment procured, the training provided and the resources allocated to personnel deployed in high-risk areas.
Pending funds
The fourth measure concerns the release of funds that, according to the proposal, had previously been promised but remained outstanding.
Timely funding is essential for implementing welfare commitments and meeting operational requirements, including equipment, training and infrastructure.
On October 12, Kundi said the federal government had assured the province that any shortfall in funds required by the police and security forces would be met. He also announced that stalled projects relating to police lines, stations, checkpoints and Safe City initiatives would be resumed.
The availability and timely release of these funds will be crucial to determining whether the proposed improvements can be implemented without further delays.
Implementation remains key
The proposed measures come amid heightened security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a renewed focus on the performance and resourcing of law-enforcement agencies.
The governor’s October 11 meeting also discussed the broader security situation and counterterrorism measures. The subsequent announcement of assurances regarding funding and stalled police infrastructure projects indicates that the proposed welfare measures form part of a wider effort to strengthen the province’s security apparatus.
