KP Declares Special Branch Independent, Approves 1,221 New Posts

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has officially approved the establishment of the Special Branch as a separate and independent unit within the provincial police force.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Peshawar on Sunday. The meeting decided that the unit would be provided with all the required manpower, modern technology, and logistical support.

Officials briefed the meeting that the Special Branch was currently responsible for intelligence gathering, security duties, surveys, and verification tasks. They also noted that 308 personnel from the merged districts have already been integrated into the unit. In 2025, the Special Branch successfully neutralised several suicide jackets, IEDs, and hand grenades.

The Chief Minister granted in-principle approval for 1,221 new posts in the Special Branch and announced Rs 5.3 billion for infrastructure development, vehicles, motorcycles, and advanced equipment. He emphasized that the Special Branch would be strengthened in line with modern counter-terrorism requirements to ensure the police can play a more effective role in combating terrorism. “All necessary resources will be provided to enhance the capabilities of the Special Branch,” he affirmed.

Earlier, security forces carried out targeted operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eliminating 13 militants linked to Indian-sponsored Fitna Al Khawarij, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

According to the military media wing, on 20-21 November 2025, thirteen Khawarij were killed in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A joint intelligence-based operation in Paharkhel, Lakki Marwat District, resulted in ten Khawarij being neutralised after an intense exchange of fire. Another operation in Dera Ismail Khan District saw three Khawarij effectively neutralised by security forces.

This move is seen as a significant step in enhancing the province’s counter-terrorism and intelligence-gathering capabilities.