PESHAWAR – Lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have raised serious concerns over the province’s worsening law and order situation. During a recent session in the KP Assembly, elected members from both government and opposition questioned the return of militants, rising sectarian killings, and poor governance.
But one bold question stole the spotlight:
“Who trained the terrorists, who protected them, and who brought them back?”
These words were spoken by Shakeel Khan, a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from Swat, a region that had once been cleared of militants after years of conflict. His question was not just a complaint. It was a direct challenge to the state’s security agencies, hinting that someone from inside the system may have helped these groups return.
Swat: Peace No More
For many years, Swat was considered one of the most peaceful areas of the province. But now, residents are once again feeling unsafe.
Shakeel Khan said that terrorists were brought back and placed in the hills of his constituency in Malakand. When they began their activities, a military officer reportedly told locals to hold talks, known as a jirga, with the militants.
“Why should people talk to those who were brought in by the authorities?” Khan asked.
“Those who helped them come back should be the ones dealing with them.”
This is not the first time such accusations have been made, but it’s rare to hear them voiced so openly by a lawmaker from the ruling party.
Sectarian Killings in Kurram
In the tribal district of Kurram, violence between Sunni and Shia communities is once again on the rise. Lawmaker Ali Hadi told the Assembly that both groups are being targeted by “unidentified gunmen”, and no action is being taken.
He warned that these killings could spark another major conflict, just like the one in previous years, where over 400 people died.
“The signs are the same. I warned the government before. They didn’t listen then, and they’re not listening now,” Hadi said.
According to him, the killings seem planned, as if someone wants to restart sectarian violence in the region.
Police Fight Terror, but Are Left Alone
Another lawmaker, Anwar Khan from Upper Dir, spoke about a deadly attack on August 14, Independence Day, when terrorists attacked local police.
He praised the courage of both residents and police who fought back. But he criticized how the injured officers were treated afterward.
“They were brought to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, but they didn’t get proper medical care,” he said.
“One constable even cried in his hospital bed because of the poor treatment.”
His story raised questions about how the province treats its security forces, especially those who risk their lives daily to protect others.
Basic Services Falling Apart
Many lawmakers didn’t just talk about violence, they also spoke about the poor condition of public services in KP.
Shakeel Khan criticized his own party’s performance, saying that many government schools have no teachers and hospitals have no doctors.
“What good are buildings if there’s no one working inside them?” he said.
Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah said that even the Assembly itself is being ignored. Many ministers were absent, and questions from lawmakers were left unanswered.
“Even a primary school is run better than this house,” he said in frustration.
Who Let Them In?
One of the most serious allegations came from opposition lawmaker Mukhdoomzada Aftab Khan. He accused former Prime Minister Imran Khan and retired intelligence chief Faiz Hameed of allowing 40,000 militants to return from Afghanistan in the name of a “peace deal.”
“They released dangerous terrorists and now KP is paying the price,” he said.
While the government has not confirmed such a number, many fear that past deals with militants may have allowed them to regroup and return stronger.
Is KP Losing Control Again?
What came out of this Assembly session was clear:
- Terrorists are back in some areas.
- Sectarian killings are rising.
- Police are unsupported.
- Public services are broken.
- Ministers are not showing up.
And most importantly: no one is being held responsible.
Shakeel Khan’s question, “Who trained the terrorists?”, still hangs in the air. It’s a question that demands answers not just for the politicians in the Assembly, but for every citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who fears a return to violence.
Unless the government acts now, many believe the province could fall into a deeper crisis, again.
