By Uzma Ehtasham
In recent days, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has once again underscored the enduring challenge posed by militant networks, highlighting the fragile security environment in one of Pakistan’s most strategically sensitive regions. Across two separate operations in different districts, security forces neutralized a total of 11 insurgents, reflecting both the vigilance of Pakistan’s security apparatus and the persistent threat posed by organized militant groups. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), six of these individuals were killed in an intelligence-led operation in North Waziristan, while five more were eliminated in the Kurram district.
These individuals were reportedly linked to the Indian-backed “Fitna-e-Khawarij” network, an organization implicated in acts of terrorism, targeted killings, and broader destabilizing activity across the region. While these operations demonstrate the operational capability and determination of the armed forces, they also underscore the reality that the threat of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is neither contained nor fleeting. In South Waziristan, the cowardly killing of Maulana Hafiz Sultan Muhammad, a prominent leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, through an improvised explosive device, has further shaken the sense of security in the province.
Meanwhile, a series of unrest incidents in Bajaur, Peshawar, and other districts have compounded public anxiety, creating an environment of uncertainty for ordinary citizens. Taken together, these developments illustrate that terrorism remains a deeply entrenched and multifaceted problem, one that cannot be addressed solely by provincial authorities or through ad hoc operations. The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlights the imperative for strong national coordination. While the provincial government bears responsibility for governance, public welfare, and development, the federal government must provide robust support in matters of law enforcement, intelligence, and counter-terrorism.
Such a collaborative framework is essential in a province that has long served as both a frontline in the fight against militancy and a hub of strategic importance for Pakistan’s broader security posture. Yet, recent developments suggest a troubling misalignment of priorities within the provincial leadership. At a time when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces immediate security challenges, the administration’s attention has appeared divided, with high-profile political tours and engagements in other regions, including a recent visit to Karachi, drawing criticism. Observers have questioned whether such political activity reflects a strategic vision for the province or distracts from urgent governance and security imperatives.
Security and development cannot flourish in isolation. Citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa confront a dual reality: the immediate threat of militancy and the long-term requirement for infrastructure, education, health, and economic opportunities. Neglecting either dimension risks destabilizing the province further. Recognizing this, the federal government has sought to take proactive steps to accelerate development projects in the province. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has tasked a committee led by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal to review ongoing projects in Peshawar, with the intention of ensuring timely completion and measurable impact on local communities.
The initiative signals a willingness at the federal level to provide both oversight and support, but its success will depend heavily on meaningful cooperation from the provincial administration. Without alignment between the two levels of government, even well-intentioned programs risk faltering. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires leadership that is responsive, focused, and capable of balancing immediate security needs with long-term development goals. Effective governance demands a clear strategy that integrates counter-terrorism operations, community engagement, and institutional capacity-building. It also requires consistent communication between provincial and federal authorities, ensuring that security operations are reinforced by infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunity.
This holistic approach is necessary to address the root causes of instability and to create an environment in which citizens can feel secure while benefiting from tangible development outcomes. The consequences of neglect are immediate and personal. If the provincial leadership continues to priorities political tours or symbolic gestures over substantive action, ordinary citizens will bear the brunt of insecurity and stalled progress. Education, health services, and local economies suffer when governance attention is diverted, and the vacuum created by inadequate leadership is often exploited by extremist actors. Conversely, coordinated, transparent, and strategic governance can restore confidence, reduce the space in which militancy thrives, and create conditions for sustainable growth.
It is worth emphasizing that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s challenges are not insurmountable. Pakistan possesses both the institutional capacity and operational expertise to address the dual threats of terrorism and underdevelopment. The province has historically been a frontline in counter-terrorism efforts, hosting dedicated security operations and fostering professional training initiatives. By leveraging these strengths and aligning provincial priorities with federal support, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can not only contain immediate threats but also lay the foundation for long-term stability.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
