Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has pushed back against criticism from federal ministers over the provincial government's counterterrorism efforts, calling for a major change in the state's security policy and greater provincial involvement in decision-making. The exchange comes amid renewed security concerns in KP and growing political tensions between the federal and provincial governments.

By PK-News.com
September 28, 2026

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has adopted a firm position in response to criticism from federal ministers over his government's handling of terrorism and security in the province.

PK-News.com has searched and reviewed the latest available reports, official statements and developments surrounding the dispute. The latest situation shows a widening disagreement between the federal and KP governments over counterterrorism policy, allocation of security resources and the role of the provincial administration in decisions concerning peace and security.

The dispute intensified on Monday after federal ministers Attaullah Tarar and Talal Chaudhry criticized the PTI-led KP government, while Afridi defended his administration and again called for a change in the state's approach to counterterrorism.

Afridi Calls for a Policy Change

Speaking during a law-and-order meeting in Peshawar, CM Sohail Afridi argued that Pakistan's existing counterterrorism policy needs to be reconsidered.

Afridi said his government had repeatedly warned about the deteriorating security situation and maintained that policies affecting KP should not be formulated without consulting the province.

He called for a new counterterrorism strategy involving the provincial government, administration and police, arguing that those directly dealing with the security situation on the ground should have a role in policymaking.

The chief minister also argued that simply providing additional resources to police would not resolve the problem without a broader change in policy.

Afridi said his government had consistently opposed what he described as a long-running approach to counterterrorism and maintained that the people of KP had suffered heavily from violence.

Federal Ministers Criticize KP Government

Federal ministers presented a substantially different assessment.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticized the KP government's leadership, resources and use of its authority in the fight against terrorism.

He argued that provincial leadership had responsibilities in providing resources and direction to security forces.

Chaudhry also raised questions about the availability of equipment and infrastructure for KP's police and counterterrorism institutions, including bulletproof vehicles, protective equipment, training, the Counter-Terrorism Department and forensic facilities.

The federal minister also criticized the provincial government's approach toward Afghanistan and questioned why KP authorities had not more openly condemned what Islamabad considers the source of cross-border militant threats.

These statements represent the federal government's position and were strongly disputed by the KP leadership.

Attaullah Tarar Raises Further Allegations

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also criticized the PTI-led provincial government during the federal briefing.

According to the latest reporting, Tarar accused PTI of failing to take ownership of the fight against terrorism and made allegations concerning the party's approach toward militant groups.

Those allegations are political claims from the federal government and have been disputed by PTI leadership.

The exchange reflects the increasingly sharp political disagreement between Islamabad and the PTI-led provincial administration in KP.

Afridi Defends KP Government's Security Spending

Afridi has also pointed to steps taken by his administration to strengthen the police.

According to the chief minister, the KP government diverted Rs35 billion from its development budget to the police, effectively doubling the allocation.

He said the provincial government was also working to strengthen the Special Branch and provide modern weapons and other essential equipment to police personnel.

The figures and claims regarding provincial spending were presented by Afridi as part of his defence of the government's security record.

Federal ministers, however, have questioned whether the available resources are being used effectively.

D.I. Khan Attack Adds Pressure

The political dispute comes shortly after a deadly attack in Dera Ismail Khan's Darazinda area.

Afridi visited injured people following the attack and called for greater cooperation between the federal and provincial governments.

The chief minister said the security situation required closer coordination and argued that KP should be consulted before major decisions concerning peace and security are made.

He also called for the federal government to provide armoured personnel carriers to the province and said families of people killed in terrorist attacks would receive martyr packages.

The attack has intensified attention on security arrangements in KP and increased pressure on both federal and provincial authorities to address the continuing threat.

Dispute Over Afghanistan

Afghanistan has also become an important part of the disagreement.

Federal officials have criticized the KP government's position on Afghanistan and questioned whether the provincial administration has been sufficiently direct in condemning militant activity linked to Afghan territory.

Afridi, meanwhile, has argued for a broader policy approach and greater involvement of KP stakeholders in decisions concerning the western border and security.

Pakistan's federal government has repeatedly raised concerns about militant groups operating from Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities have rejected various Pakistani allegations.

The issue remains one of the major sources of tension between Islamabad and Kabul.

Governor's Rule Debate Adds Political Pressure

The counterterrorism dispute is unfolding alongside a separate political confrontation over the future of the KP government.

There has been recent discussion in political circles about the possibility of governor's rule or emergency measures in the province, while PTI leaders have strongly opposed such a move.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has warned the provincial government over the worsening security situation and has urged PTI to reconsider its planned October 4 march.

The governor has also called for political stakeholders to focus on the security situation and discuss ways to restore peace.

These developments have added another layer to the already tense relationship between the federal government and the PTI-led KP administration.

October 4 PTI Protest Remains a Major Political Issue

The dispute is also taking place only days before PTI's planned October 4 protest and march.

PTI has maintained its plan for the mobilisation, while government officials have raised concerns about political activity taking place amid serious security problems in KP.

The combination of the security situation, the dispute over counterterrorism policy and the upcoming protest has made the coming days politically significant.

However, the exact security arrangements and political developments before October 4 remain subject to change.

What the Two Sides Are Saying

The current dispute can broadly be divided into two positions:

KP government position:

Counterterrorism policy needs to change.
KP should be included in security decision-making.
The province requires greater federal resources.
Policies should reflect conditions on the ground.
The provincial government says it has increased police funding and equipment.

Federal government position:

The KP government has not done enough to combat terrorism.
Provincial leadership should provide stronger direction and resources to security forces.
Federal officials have questioned KP's approach toward Afghanistan and militant threats.
Ministers have also criticized the provincial government's overall security performance.

These are competing political positions, and PK-News.com has not independently verified the allegations made by either side.

PK-News.com Monitoring the Situation

PK-News.com has searched and reviewed the latest available reports and statements concerning the growing dispute between the federal government and the KP administration.

The latest development is that CM Sohail Afridi is maintaining a firm position on changing counterterrorism policy, while federal ministers are publicly criticizing the KP government's handling of security and counterterrorism.

The disagreement comes amid a serious security situation in KP, recent terrorist attacks, tensions over Afghanistan and preparations for PTI's October 4 political mobilisation.

Further statements from the federal government, KP administration, security authorities and political parties are expected in the coming days.

PK-News.com will continue monitoring the situation and update this report as verified developments emerge.