A police officer injured while fighting terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Dir has appealed to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for the provision of modern weapons and advanced equipment to help security forces counter growing threats.
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A video circulating on social media shows the injured police official requesting that police personnel be equipped with weapons and resources comparable to those used by militants. The officer said frontline personnel require improved capabilities to effectively respond to terrorist attacks and protect communities.
Responding to the viral video, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Shafi Jan said that efforts were already underway to provide modern weapons, technology and resources to the police force. He said the provincial government had increased the police budget to Rs191 billion for the current financial year.
According to the spokesperson, billions of rupees have been allocated for strengthening police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) capabilities in frontline districts. The measures include the supply of advanced weapons, bulletproof vehicles, anti-drone systems, thermal cameras, drone technology, safe city projects and forensic facilities.
Shafi Jan further stated that hundreds of drone attacks had been prevented over the past six months through the use of anti-drone technology. He added that the KP police had established a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) division for the first time to enhance operational capabilities.
Lower Dir District Police Officer Talal Ahmed acknowledged that changing tactics adopted by terrorists require continuous improvement in security resources. However, he said the police department, with support from the government and senior leadership, had already received several modern tools.
He said Lower Dir police had been provided with advanced drones, anti-drone systems, quadcopters, heavy weapons, thermal weapon sights, thermal binoculars, ballistic helmets and other modern equipment.
The DPO explained that these resources had significantly improved the ability of law enforcement agencies to monitor terrorist movements, identify threats and conduct timely operations.
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Security officials have repeatedly highlighted the need for modern technology and equipment as militant groups continue to adopt new tactics, including drone-based attacks and sophisticated methods of surveillance and communication.
The provincial government has said strengthening police capacity remains a key priority to improve security in terrorism-affected areas.