Tension Grows Between KP and Federal Government Over Bulletproof Vehicle Dispute

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi filed complaints regarding bulletproof vehicles provided by the Federal government.

Political rift over security equipment:

A new conflict has emerged between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the federal government after KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi criticized the bulletproof vehicles provided by the Interior Ministry. The disagreement has quickly turned into a national debate over security, resources, and political priorities amid rising terrorism in Pakistan.

Afridi’s harsh criticism:

On Monday, Sohail Afridi accused the federal government of adopting a “flawed policy” that he claimed was responsible for the recent surge in terrorism across KP. He said the province was not receiving its due funds under the country’s ongoing war against terrorism and was being deprived of other constitutional rights.

Afridi also claimed that the bulletproof cars sent by the federal government were “defective and old”. He demanded that the vehicles be recalled. He called them unfit for security operations.

Balochistan Steps In:

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti responded to Afridi’s comments by requesting that the vehicles be sent to his province instead. Bugti highlighted that Balochistan is also heavily affected by terrorism.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), he appealed to the Interior Minister, saying that if KP did not want the vehicles, Balochistan could use them to strengthen its counter-terrorism operations.

Naqvi’s swift response:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi quickly accepted Bugti’s request. In his response on X, Naqvi wrote, “CM sahib, done. These bulletproof vehicles will be sent to Balochistan immediately to enhance counter-terrorism efforts. Thank you for raising this.”

Naqvi’s decision to redirect the vehicles to Balochistan has been seen by many as a practical move to ensure the equipment is used where it is most needed, though it has also fueled political tensions between the Centre and KP.

Political backlash and criticism:

The issue has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticized CM Afridi for “playing politics over national security.” 

He accused the KP government of refusing to fully participate in the fight against terrorism, suggesting that Afridi’s actions were aimed at undermining the federal government rather than protecting citizens.

Chaudhry said it was “unfortunate” that Afridi was returning essential equipment and trying to make the Centre appear weak. He added sarcastically, “If you did not like the bulletproof cars, maybe give your own instead.”