Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Muhammad Suhail Khan Afridi formally handed over a significant consignment of modern weaponry and vehicles to district police officers during a ceremony at Malik Saad Shaheed Police Lines on Saturday.
The ceremony, attended by KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed, witnessed distribution of 18 bulletproof vehicles, four double-cabin vehicles, and 20 motorcycles.
Additionally, the anti-terrorism force received a major equipment boost, including over 4,000 bulletproof jackets and helmets, 300 submachine guns (SMGs), and 10 high-precision sniper rifles, all aimed at bolstering the operational capacity of the force in fight against terrorism and organized crime.
During the event, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed expressed his gratitude to provincial government, saying that enhancing capabilities of KP Police particularly in volatile southern districts was essential for maintaining law and order.
He highlighted that international standard sniper rifles have been issued to Al-Baraq and Rapid Response Forces as part of first phase of upgrades.
Acknowledging bravery of personnel, IGP stated that while there was currently a shortage of 14,000 bulletproof jackets, provincial government was moving quickly to fill this gap, having already procured 4,500 units to ensure safety of frontline officers.
IGP also emphasized strategic importance of mobility in urban counter terrorism efforts, revealing that 100 motorcycles were purchased during current financial year, with an additional 200 units planned for next.
Furthermore, he announced that mega security initiatives, including Safe City Projects in Peshawar, Bannu, and DI Khan, are nearing completion and would soon be inaugurated by KP CM.
IGP reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Safe City network across entire province, asserting that peace and security are foundation of progress and that police would work tirelessly to accelerate region’s journey toward prosperity.
In a significant move to bolster regional healthcare infrastructure, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi announced on Saturday establishment of a 1,000-bed tertiary care hospital in Malakand district.
The decision follows a recent Health Department meeting, during which Chief Minister directed relevant authorities to coordinate closely with elected representatives from Malakand Division to ensure project meets local needs.
To expedite development, officials have been directed to begin land acquisition process immediately.
The proposed facility is designed to serve as a major medical hub, offering specialized services including emergency care, cardiology, and kidney transplant facilities.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that primary goal is to bring high-quality medical treatment directly to doorsteps of citizens, significantly reducing need for patients to travel to distant major cities for complex procedures.
By strengthening the provincial health sector, the administration aims to provide substantial medical relief to the residents of Malakand and enhance overall public confidence in the state’s healthcare capabilities.