Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has endorsed the creation of an independent Special Branch within the provincial police, formally separating it as a standalone unit.
The decision came during a meeting held in Peshawar on Sunday, where the Chief Minister directed that the new unit be equipped with sufficient staff, modern technology, and full logistical support.
Officials briefed the meeting that the Special Branch currently handles intelligence collection, security-related duties, surveys, and verification processes.
They also informed the forum that 308 personnel from the merged districts have already joined the unit. According to the briefing, the Special Branch neutralised multiple suicide jackets, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and hand grenades during 2025.
Creation of 1,221 additional posts
The Chief Minister gave preliminary approval for the creation of 1,221 additional posts and allocated Rs. 5.3 billion for infrastructure, vehicles, motorcycles, and advanced equipment to upgrade the unit.
He stressed that the Special Branch would be strengthened according to modern counterterrorism needs, enabling the police to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
“All necessary resources will be provided to improve the Special Branch’s operational capacity,” he said.
Targeted operations across KPK
Separately, security forces launched targeted operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 13 militants associated with the Indian-sponsored group Fitna Al Khawarij, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the ISPR, the operations were carried out between 20 and 21 November 2025 in two separate encounters.
In Lakki Marwat’s Paharkhel area, a joint intelligence-based operation by security forces and law enforcement agencies resulted in the killing of 10 militants after a heavy exchange of fire.
