The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the creation of hundreds of new government jobs as part of a major restructuring of its security apparatus. Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has formally separated the Special Branch from the provincial police, granting it the status of an independent intelligence unit.
The decision is aimed at modernizing security operations and enhancing the province’s counterterrorism capacity at a time when KP continues to face evolving security threats. The Special Branch has long been responsible for intelligence gathering, verification, and explosive neutralization, and its role has become increasingly critical in recent years.
Officials briefing the meeting in Peshawar highlighted that the Special Branch has already defused multiple suicide jackets, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and hand grenades this year. These operations have underscored the need for a more robust, well-resourced, and specialized structure dedicated solely to intelligence and threat prevention.
Under the new reforms, the Special Branch will operate as an independent intelligence unit with its own chain of command, specialized staff, and dedicated resources. So far, 308 personnel from the merged districts have already joined the unit, strengthening its ground presence in sensitive areas.
To support this transition, the provincial government has given initial approval for 1,221 new posts, significantly expanding the unit’s human resource capacity. In addition, the government has allocated Rs 5.3 billion to upgrade the Special Branch’s infrastructure and operational tools. The funds will be used for the procurement of vehicles, motorcycles, and advanced equipment to support surveillance, field mobility, and rapid response capabilities.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi directed that the newly independent Special Branch be equipped with modern technology, specialized training, and complete logistical support. He emphasized that boosting the unit’s capacity is essential to align KP’s security architecture with modern counterterrorism requirements.
“All necessary resources will be provided to improve the Special Branch’s operational capacity,” the Chief Minister stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led policing and proactive threat management.
The reforms are expected to streamline intelligence operations, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure that field units have the authority and tools needed to act quickly on high-risk information. By turning the Special Branch into a standalone intelligence unit backed by new jobs and significant financial investment, the KP government is signaling a long-term strategy to fortify internal security and protect citizens across the province.
