The federal government has declared 26 districts across six regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as KP hard areas, approving a security risk allowance for federal administrative and police officers serving in the affected districts. The decision covers areas impacted by terrorism and security challenges.
A letter from the Establishment Division in Islamabad has been received by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary. According to the letter, the designation covers 26 districts across six regions of the province, with the decision aimed at officers serving in areas facing security risks.
The districts included in the KP hard areas list are Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Charsadda, Mohmand, Nowshera, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.
The list also includes Upper and Lower South Waziristan, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Bajaur, Upper and Lower Dir, and Upper and Lower Chitral. These districts have been identified as areas affected by terrorism and increased security concerns.
The letter states that a security risk allowance has been approved for federal administrative and police officers serving in the affected districts. The allowance will take effect from July 1, 2026, and will be paid by the federal government.
Under the approved policy, the allowance will equal 250 percent of an officer’s basic salary. It will immediately stop when an officer is transferred. Income tax will apply to the allowance, while it will not be provided during suspension, posting as OSD, joining time or training.
The KP hard areas allowance will also not count toward pension or gratuity calculations. The letter specifically states that officers serving in Swabi district and the Hazara Division will not qualify for the security risk allowance under the approved arrangement.
