Law and Order in KP Deteriorates Amid Rising Crime and Political Interference.
By M.Ilyas
PESHAWAR – The law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reached critical levels, with escalating cases of target killings, extortion, and drug trafficking creating an atmosphere of fear among citizens. As crime rates soar, the police leadership faces criticism for prioritizing administrative reshuffling over addressing the growing security challenges.
Sources reveal that target killings have become commonplace across the province, while the rise in extortion and the spread of drug networks further strain the social fabric. KP’s transformation into a drug trafficking hotspot is alarming, exacerbating fears over the safety of youth and public welfare.
Political interference following amendments to the Police Act 2017 is being blamed for undermining the operational autonomy of the police force. By placing law enforcement under provincial government control, these changes have allegedly opened avenues for undue influence, compromising the effectiveness and impartiality of police operations. Both serving and retired officers have warned of the damaging consequences, citing the diminishing public trust in law enforcement.
The worsening situation was starkly highlighted last week when five people were killed in a broad daylight shooting in Peshawar. Such incidents, coupled with frequent attacks on police officers, have led to widespread demoralization within the ranks.
During a recent hearing in the Corridor Bail case, Justice Atiq Shah expressed grave concerns over the unchecked drug proliferation in KP, lamenting the lack of action to safeguard the region’s youth. He also criticized police officials for focusing on transfers in calmer districts rather than tackling critical crime hotspots.
Citizens across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are demanding swift and resolute action. They call on the provincial government and police leadership to prioritize law and order, formulate a comprehensive anti-crime strategy, and reinstate the people’s confidence in the system.
Without decisive steps to curb criminal activities and restore stability, experts warn that KP may face heightened insecurity and destabilization, further threatening the region’s fragile peace.
