THE recent political changes in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province owe their origin, as per Islamabad, to the “deliberate disengagement” of the provincial govern- ment from the fight against terrorism. Security is a legitimate concern, but will the federal move reduce the threat over time?

The federal government’s case deserves a fair hearing. Terrorism is a national problem, and it cannot be fought well when a province is not on board. However, while the official language speaks of terrorism, the measures undeniably came just as the main opposition party launched a protest march towards Islamabad.

Counterterrorism plans depend on local informants, elders and police, each of whom has to decide whether or not the state is on their side. Governor’s rule suspends the link between the people and the system, and that link is exactly what a long counterinsurgency campaign needs.

Will the changes make a positive difference? In the short term, they possibly can because a single chain of command can improve coordination and speed up operations in the worst-affected districts. However, the changes will at best be treating a symptom, not the malaise itself.

Ruqia Khan Nasar
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2026