THE police are a vital pillar of our social fabric, serving not only as guardians of the law but also as protectors of the community, said President Asif Ali Zardari on Police Martyrs Day on Aug 4. “Their exemplary courage, firm dedication and ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation will always inspire pride and command the deepest respect of every citizen of Pakistan,” he added. The prime minister, too, honoured the bravery of police officers who had laid down their lives in the line of duty, noting that the force displays “exceptional professionalism and unflinching resolve” in the nation’s fight against terrorism, violent extremism and crime.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported that the first seven months of 2026 witnessed 2,786 deaths linked to terrorist violence and counterterrorism operations — 434 security forces’ personnel lost their lives, including 152 police officials in KP and 89 in Balochistan. So far, July has been the deadliest month of 2026, with 112 security officials offering the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, compared to 38 fatalities a month earlier in June. This is an unprecedented 195 per cent increase in the deaths of law enforcers.
At least eight suicide attacks were recorded last month, the highest number in a single month during the past decade. The recent deadly attack near a police station in Swat caused 17 fatalities. As this paper rightly asserted after the Swat bombing, it “is far too high a toll, and the state needs to urgently refine its CT strategy to prevent further loss of precious lives”.
Following Police Martyrs Day, one of us convened a forum of serving and retired police officers to discuss the current vulnerabilities and challenges faced by police in general, and those in KP and Balochistan in particular. The trajectory and tenor of violence in these provinces have distinct traits. KP has been on the receiving end since 9/11, paying a huge price in the so-called war against terror. Since Kabul’s takeover by the Taliban in August 2021, violence and bloodshed have assumed greater intensity. Acts of terror have risen exponentially, with fatalities among security forces and civilians progressively rising each year. The last two years have been the worst so far, with police losing 314 personnel.
The last two years have been the worst so far, with police losing 314 personnel.
Balochistan is facing its fifth (and longest) phase (20 years) of insurgency by separatists. Nawab Akbar Bugti’s killing in a cave near Kohlu in August 2006 was an unfortunate incident that led to a sharp escalation in Baloch militancy. The terrorist nexus of the BLA, BRA and BLF has added lethality to insurgent attacks. BLA’s Majeed Brigade is well-equipped and emulates TTP’s violent tactics. It has superior weaponry, indicating the role of hostile foreign agencies in fomenting unrest in the province. The police’s challenge has increased manifold now that the entire province has been converted into police jurisdiction. The gap in human resources, infrastructure and training for the job is pronounced. A recent significant development is the incursion of the TTP in the Pakhtun areas as witnessed in the tragic July 6 attack on the Mangi Dam pumping station police post by the terrorist group, leading to the kidnapping and killing of 27 policemen. Our deliberations have led to identification of certain vulnerabilities and constraints that beset the police operating in the terror and insurgency-prone areas of KP and Balochistan where violence is driven by a combination of enhanced militant capability, difficult terrain, cross-border dynamics and institutional challenges. The following issues are pertinent.
Intelligence coordination and information sharing: Coordination between police, intel agencies and other law-enforcement institutions is not always seamless; delays in sharing actionable intelligence reduce the ability to prevent attacks or intercept terrorists before they strike.
Inadequate protection of police personnel and infrastructure: Police stations, check posts and patrols are often targeted because they have limited physical protection, surveillance or early-warning capabilities; some units in dangerous zones lack sufficient protective equipment, secure transport and modern communication systems, increasing their vulnerability.
Limited capacity and community-based policing: In remote and conflict-affected areas, a trust deficit exists between communities and police. Without strong local engagement, authorities receive fewer timely reports about suspicious activities, allowing terrorist networks to operate with greater freedom.
The merger of Fata into KP and the conversion of ‘B’ areas into ‘A’ areas in Balochistan was undertaken without adequate planning, capacity building or the provision of necessary financial and operational resources. The denial of these essential resources has exposed both police and the civil armed forces to avoidable risks, contributing to a significant increase in casualties among personnel. Expressions of support and appreciation for their sacrifices must therefore be matched by meaningful investment in manpower, training, equipment, intelligence, mobility and welfare to enable police to perform their duties effectively and safely.
As former police chiefs we acknowledge that the challenges faced by current police commanders are far more daunting and require a strategic and operational rethink to restore order and promote peace in the restive borderlands in Pakistan’s north and south. Serving and retired police officers agree that the revised CT NAP must be implemented through professional tactics and strategic oversight. Here are a few recommendations at the operational level.
Strengthen intelligence-led policing: Establish integrated intelligence coordination mechanisms that facilitate timely information-sharing among police, intelligence services and local administration; expand analytical capabilities and use technology to identify emerging threats, while ensuring operations remain consistent with the law and human rights standards.
Modernise police protection and training: Upgrade security at vulnerable police facilities through better surveillance, convoy drills, ambush response, communications and sound infrastructure; provide regular training in CT tactics, drone threat response, incident command and officer safety, along with appropriate protective equipment.
Expand community policing and public partnerships: Build stronger relationships with local communities, tribal elders, religious leaders and CSOs to improve trust and encourage lawful reporting of suspicious activities; develop accessible mechanisms for citizens to share information confidentially; promote public awareness programmes that strengthen resilience.
The trend of rising terrorist attacks against, and thus higher casualties among, the police must be immediately stopped before it derails the entire CT effort in KP and Balochistan. This requires a balanced approach that combines effective policing, better intelligence coordination, professional training and meaningful community engagement. Strengthening these areas can enhance the safety of police personnel while also increasing public confidence and contributing to a more secure environment for local communities. Finally, for the policymakers and political leadership, our message is simple: invest in police and trust them to deliver.
The writers are former inspectors-general of police.
Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026
