KP CM approves establishment of Special Branch as independent unit

PESHAWAR: KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has approved key administrative improvements for the Police Special Branch, affirming that all necessary human resources, technical equipment, infrastructure, and other facilities will be ensured on a priority basis to upgrade the unit on modern lines and meet the province’s intelligence and counter-terrorism requirements.

Chairing an important meeting on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Special Branch, at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the chief minister approved the establishment of the Special Branch of Police as a separate specialised unit and granted in-principle approval for the creation of 1,221 new posts in the Special Branch along-with a substantial financial package to strengthen the unit’s operational capacity.

The chief minister approved Rs 1,820 million for infrastructure development and construction of new buildings, and Rs 904.7 million for the procurement of motor vehicles, through which the Special Branch will receive 98 vehicles and 404 motorcycles.

Additionally, Rs 2,543.9 million were approved for the procurement of advanced technical equipment, technology, surveillance systems, and intelligence-related tools.

The chief minister also directed that the proposed allowances for Special Branch personnel be processed on priority, reiterating that the police force is a vital pillar in the fight against terrorism and that all necessary resources must be provided without delay to strengthen the professional capabilities of the Special Branch. He further approved the establishment of new buildings for the unit across the province.

During the briefing, it was highlighted that Special Branch personnel are performing key responsibilities including intelligence gathering, security assessments, verifications, surveys, and surveillance across the province.

It was also noted that 308 personnel from the merged districts have been integrated into the Special Branch. In 2025, the Special Branch successfully neutralized two suicide jackets, 32 IEDs, 70 rocket shells, and 288 hand grenades, preventing several potential terrorist attacks.

Over the past year, the unit also provided security for 635 political gatherings and completed verification of arms and explosive licenses, 3,124 NADRA verifications, 6,840 passport verifications, 14,518 CPEC-related verifications, 6,060 personal verifications and 9,413 official employee verifications.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025