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Deputy Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Suriya Bibi has emphasized the critical role of the Pakhtunkhwa Radio project in Upper Chitral for providing information, awareness, and entertainment to the local population. During a review meeting with the Information and Public Relations Department, she directed the swift completion of all necessary procedures, including the setting up of a transmission tower and studio, to expedite the project. Director General Ansar Khilji informed that a suitable site in Booni has been selected, a technical survey completed, and efforts are underway despite challenges like limited funds, import of transmitters, and renovation timelines. Suriya Bibi appreciated the efforts, highlighting that the FM radio would be an effective communication tool in the remote region, covering public matters, natural disasters, and promoting local culture and language.
The article is a tribute to Syed Ibrahim Shah, affectionately known as 'Shah Jee,' a government employee in Peshawar, Pakistan, known for his unique personality and strong friendships. Despite his short stature, he commanded respect, especially while riding his motorcycle. Beyond his distinctive riding style, Shah Jee was a symbol of a generation of government servants who viewed their jobs not just as employment but as a means of connection, responsibility, and helping friends. The article highlights his camaraderie with friends like Muhammad Ayub Lala and Muhammad Akbar Khan, where they would gather to discuss everything from poetry to politics. Shah Jee was particularly known for his resourcefulness, such as providing English magazines like Time to Dr. Ismail Wali for his M.Phil studies, a significant act of assistance in an era before the internet.
Police in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have launched an investigation after two bodies were discovered roadside in Domel tehsil, near Bakhmali Petrol Pump along Sada Khel Road. Officials suspect the victims, believed to be from the Mohmand Khel area, were shot dead. This incident follows a fatal attack the previous day in the same locality, where a Frontier Corps (FC) personnel was killed by unidentified assailants. The proximity of these events raises questions about a potential connection, which authorities are exploring as part of a broader investigation into recent violence, though no direct link has been confirmed yet. Police have not released victim identities or motives.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi received a 10-truck relief consignment from the Government of Sindh for flood-affected residents in Chitral, emphasizing inter-provincial solidarity. The aid, including food, water, and tents, will be distributed by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. Kundi thanked Sindh's leadership and urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to expedite rehabilitation, restore damaged roads, and establish more relief warehouses in KP, a province highly vulnerable to floods. He also called for depoliticized and timely relief efforts, noting the provincial government's aid had not yet reached Chitral.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Pakistan unanimously passed amendments to the Members’ Privileges and Facilities Act 2026, eliminating lifetime official blue passports for provincial lawmakers, which were widely criticized. Now, these passports are valid only while members hold their legislative seats. The amendments also reinstated four free arms licenses for each legislator and eased fines for journalists. In a separate vote, the Assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting any merger of Haripur and Abbottabad districts into the federal capital territory, asserting provincial autonomy and claims over its territory and resources. Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi presided over the session.
Security forces in Pakistan killed 10 India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij militants in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, according to an ISPR statement. Eight terrorists were eliminated in Azam Warsak, South Waziristan, while two more were neutralized in Dir district. These operations are part of Pakistan's ongoing counterterrorism drive, Azm-e-Istehkam, aimed at eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism, amidst a significant increase in militant activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the Afghan Taliban took power in 2021. The article highlights Pakistan's repeated calls for the Afghan Taliban to address groups using Afghan soil for cross-border attacks, underscoring the severity of the threat in these regions.
Police in Mansehra have arrested nine individuals, including two women, in connection with the murder of three brothers and the injury of a child in the Kar Kalan area. The killings are believed to stem from a violent dispute over a marriage proposal. District Police Officer Muhammad Azhar Khan directed the swift arrests, and the detained suspects include Shams-ul-Qamar, Saleemullah, Naseem, Abdul Razzaq, Faisal-ur-Rehman, Ehsan-ur-Rehman, and Saif-ur-Rehman. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend two remaining fugitives to ensure all involved are brought to justice for the tragic incident.
Investigators have identified the suicide bomber in the Swat attack near Kabal Police Station as originating from Dir, with an ongoing probe into the deadly incident. The suspect was allegedly involved in prior terrorist acts, and authorities are examining his record and potential border crossings. The attack, which occurred around 6:04 PM during a protest at Kabal Chowk, killed 17 people, including seven police officers and ten civilians, and injured 12 others. A terrorism case has been filed, pointing to the possible involvement of TTP commander Muzaffar and other militants, as investigations continue into the circumstances and the suspect's movements.
A suicide blast occurred on Sunday, August 2, 2026, outside the Kabal police station in Swat, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and injuring 18 others. The attacker, identified as a suicide bomber by Regional Police Officer Malakand Division Syed Fida Hassan Shah, attempted to breach the police compound but was intercepted at the main gate, where the explosion took place. The compound houses various police facilities, and the incident coincided with a peace rally nearby. Both police officials and civilians were among the casualties, who were transported to Saidu Sharif Hospital, as authorities initiated an investigation into the attack.
Security forces in Pakistan have eliminated 32 terrorists linked to India-backed militant networks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan during a 24-hour operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that 24 fighters from 'Fitna al-Khawarij' were killed in Khyber district, while eight 'Fitna al-Hindustan' militants were neutralized in Nushki district, Balochistan. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to clear out militants and seize weapons, against a backdrop of rising militancy in these two provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for 96% of all militant violence fatalities nationwide in Q2 2026, highlighting the significance of these security operations.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued an order preventing the deportation of a petitioner named Quaid-i-Azam and directed him to appear before NADRA's verification board. This action comes after his Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) was blocked due to being flagged as suspicious, which has severely disrupted his business activities in Pakistan and Dubai. The petitioner's counsel argued that his client is a Pakistani citizen and taxpayer, and questioned NADRA's demand for his uncle to appear before the board despite other family members having valid ID cards. The court ordered that no deportation should occur until the verification process is finalized.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, conducted a successful intelligence-based operation on Saturday, July 18, 2026, resulting in the death of wanted militant Commander Khalid. Khalid, affiliated with the TTP's Zakir Kochi Karawan group, was cornered in the Korai area near Shorkot after verified technical intelligence. He was responsible for the targeted killing of CTD Constable Muhammad Ali on March 17, 2025, and was wanted in several other cases. Khalid opened fire when asked to surrender, leading CTD officers to respond in self-defense, killing him on the spot. A 9mm pistol, a hand grenade, and a smartphone were recovered, and investigations are ongoing to identify his network of facilitators and financiers, as the CTD vows to continue its fight against terrorism in the region.
Pakistan's security forces killed 24 militants in a major security operation in Bannu over the past 24 hours, announced the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation was launched in response to recent attacks, including a vehicle-borne suicide bombing and assaults on police, attributed to Fitna al-Khwarij, a group Islamabad claims is an India-backed proxy network. This action is part of the broader 'Azm-e-Istehkam' counter-terrorism campaign aimed at eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism, with ongoing operations expected to continue against militant activity in the region.
A house fire in the Tehkal Payan area of Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of six members of a single family. The victims, identified as Siraj (55), his wife (40), and their four young children Harira (11), Hanaya (9), Hasnain (4), and Manhal (3), were found in one room and succumbed to intense heat and smoke inhalation. Rescue 1122 teams extinguished the blaze, which originated in the hall due to rapidly burning furniture and household items, but not before the family perished. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, leaving the local community in mourning.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly criticized his own government's policies during a parliamentary group meeting in Peshawar. He expressed anger over new legislation increasing the salaries and privileges of ministers and provincial assembly members, stating he had previously warned against such a move due to anticipated public criticism. Gandapur also raised concerns about poor-quality development work, questionable recruitment and transfer practices, and alleged improper advance payments, all of which contribute to public criticism of the government. He emphasized that the government should avoid such measures given widespread poverty and unemployment, and that he would not compromise on his party leader's vision.
Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have submitted a resolution calling for the immediate restoration of Tehsil Khuzaar in Lower Chitral, with Shoghore as its headquarters. Moved by MPA Fatehul Mulk Ali Nasir and seconded by several others, the resolution highlights the region's historical status as a separate governorate and tehsil until 1969, covering 2,412 square kilometers. The proposal aims to address the difficulties residents face in accessing services due to the vast mountainous terrain and frequent winter isolation, and to strengthen administrative presence in this strategically important border area near Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Re-establishing Tehsil Khuzaar is expected to improve governance, service delivery, disaster response, and socio-economic development for the communities of Garam Chashma, Karimabad, and Arkari.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on July 2, 2026, reviewed the status of several road infrastructure projects in Chitral, directing both provincial and federal governments to provide clear stances on pending cases. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government reportedly reversed its position again in the Mastuj–Broghil Road case, prompting the court to demand an unequivocal stance. The federal government was asked to respond regarding the Chitral–Garam Chashma–Dorah Pass Road, while officials anticipate the completion of Section II (Booni) of the Chitral–Shandur Road by December 2026. The court also mandated a detailed progress report and expedited work for the Torkhow Road. Only three representatives from Chitral attended the proceedings.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced substantial bounties on 15 of the most wanted militants active in Dir and surrounding areas, ranging from Rs4 million to Rs12 million, to enhance security and dismantle militant networks. This initiative by the KP Home Department aims to encourage public cooperation in apprehending dangerous individuals, with rewards varying based on the severity of their alleged crimes. Notably, Khurshid has the highest bounty of Rs12 million, while Sher Amin (Kaka) carries a Rs10 million reward. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has urged citizens to provide information, assuring strict confidentiality for their safety, underscoring the government's commitment to bringing these militants to justice and improving regional security.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Department has announced a significant reshuffle of Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officers. Resham Jehangir (BS-18) has been appointed as the new DPO Lower Chitral, making her the second woman to hold this position in the district, succeeding Flt. Lt. (R) Riffat Ullah Khan, who moves to DPO Charsadda. Other key transfers include Capt. (R) Muhammad Furqan Bilal becoming DPO Bannu, and Syed Talal Ahmad Shah appointed DPO Dir Lower. Notably, Sonia Shamroz Khan (BS-19), previously DPO Lower Chitral, has been posted as DPO Nowshera. These changes, effective immediately under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Act, 2017, involve various DPOs and AIGs across multiple districts.
The article discusses the importance of a robust local government (بلدیاتی نظام) for a functioning democracy and public service, contrasting successful models in developed countries with Pakistan's historical struggles. It highlights how local bodies are responsible for citizens' daily needs and act as a 'nursery' for political parties. The author criticizes past leaders like Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and Zia-ul-Haq for failing to establish effective local governance, leaving citizens neglected. More recently, the article points to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local elections in 2021 and 2022, where the PTI government, despite initial losses to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and later gains, reportedly curtailed the powers of local bodies, indicating a continued neglect of grassroots democracy.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the law and order situation, particularly in the southern districts, emphasizing its importance for economic stability and job creation. Speaking to the media, he voiced support for resolving public issues like wheat and CNG supply, urging the provincial administration to address these challenges more seriously. Kundi also noted the KP Police's dedication despite limited resources and inadequate salary increases. He offered full cooperation for provincial issue resolution, while also criticizing the chief minister's unconstitutional act of bringing a security guard into the assembly and the provincial government's failure to effectively present KP’s case for the NFC Award to the Centre. The Governor stressed that a strong federation is crucial for Pakistan and advocated for dialogue over confrontation in resolving national issues, also commending the Field Marshal and federal government for their role in de-escalating US-Iran tensions.
Four people were killed instantly when unknown gunmen attacked a private ambulance on Circular Road in Bannu. The incident, which occurred when unidentified armed men opened fire on the vehicle of a private welfare organization, has raised serious security concerns in the area. Police have registered an initial report and launched a full investigation to identify and apprehend the attackers. Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, calling the killing of innocent civilians deeply tragic, and has sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police, vowing to bring those involved to justice.
Khyber News, a prominent Pashto-language news channel, has initiated a boycott of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government, culminating in a reporter walking out of a press conference in Peshawar. The protest stems from the government's perceived disregard for regional media outlets like Khyber News, which serves Pashto-speaking communities in Pakistan and globally. The reporter demanded greater recognition and equal access for regional channels, warning that the boycott could expand if the government's approach doesn't change. This incident has sparked discussions about the relationship between the provincial administration and local media, emphasizing the crucial role regional voices play in public discourse.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, led by Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi, has approved a Rs5 billion infrastructure development package for Upper Chitral, with an initial allocation of Rs200 million for the coming fiscal year 2026-27. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and foster development in the remote district. Additionally, the government presented a budget that includes significant tax relief measures, such as property tax exemptions for small properties, reduced Infrastructure Development Cess and hotel bed tax, and professional tax waivers for low-income individuals and junior government employees. These proposals, which include no new taxes, are designed to alleviate the economic burden on citizens, support industrial growth, and continue tax relief in former FATA and PATA regions.
