KP seeks Governor’s approval for Rs13.87 billion additional funds for merged districts

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has forwarded a summary worth Rs13.87 billion to the provincial governor for approval

PESHAWAR:  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has forwarded a summary worth Rs13.87 billion to the provincial governor for approval of additional expenditures in the merged tribal districts during the fiscal year 2026-27, citing growing security challenges and operational requirements.

The summary was jointly prepared by the Finance Department and the Home and Tribal Affairs Department. According to documents available with Minute Mirror, the proposed funding will be used to procure weapons, vehicles, heavy machinery and other equipment required to strengthen policing and improve security in the merged districts.

Demand revised after security concerns

The government initially proposed Rs5 billion to meet operational requirements in the merged districts. However, the demand was subsequently increased to Rs15 billion amid concerns over rising militant activity and the use of advanced weapons by armed groups.

Following financial scrutiny and departmental review, the final amount was reduced to Rs13.87 billion and forwarded to the Governor’s House for approval.

According to the proposed breakdown, Rs4.20 billion has been earmarked for vehicles and transportation. The allocation includes Rs1.2 billion for 45 bulletproof vehicles, including Fortuner and Hilux models, Rs600 million for 10 armoured personnel carriers, Rs700 million for 100 police pickups and Rs300 million for 20 ambulances and rescue vehicles. Fuel and maintenance expenses are also included.

A further Rs5.11 billion has been proposed for arms, ammunition and anti-drone capabilities. The planned procurement includes 1,200 modern submachine guns, 500 sniper rifles, 200 light machine guns, night-vision goggles and thermal weapon sights. Around Rs3.56 billion has been earmarked for technological equipment, including anti-drone guns and surveillance drones.

The summary also allocates Rs2.56 billion for machinery and equipment, including bulldozers, graders and excavators. These resources are intended to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of police stations and security check-posts damaged in militant attacks. Communication equipment and jamming devices are also part of the proposed purchases.

Another Rs2 billion has been proposed for operational requirements, including repairs to existing police facilities and the construction of new check-posts in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, Bajaur and Orakzai.

Security spending amid broader budget allocations

The proposal comes after Chief Minister Sohail Afridi presented the provincial budget for 2026-27, amounting to Rs2.17 trillion, with a projected deficit of Rs48 billion, on June 19, 2026.

The budget includes Rs524 billion for the Annual Development Programme, covering 2,765 projects. These include initiatives in the merged districts and projects under the Accelerated Implementation Programme.

The provincial government has also allocated Rs191 billion for law and order, while separate funding has been earmarked for development in the merged areas.

The Home Department has reportedly argued that police personnel in the region face armed groups equipped with modern weapons, including arms said to have been left behind in Afghanistan. The chief minister has directed authorities to provide police with advanced weaponry to improve their operational capacity.

The summary is now awaiting the governor’s approval. Officials said procurement would proceed through competitive bidding and in accordance with applicable PPRA rules and other formal requirements, subject to approval.