ISLAMABAD: Tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over security policy have intensified, with sources saying the PTI leadership has been told that there can be no compromise on Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy.
According to informed sources, the federal government and security officials have made it clear that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government cannot pursue a separate security policy that conflicts with the national strategy. The issue has gained importance amid continuing security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Sources said Pakistani authorities view the growing threat of terrorism as being linked to external elements. They alleged that Afghan territory is being used for attacks against Pakistan, while foreign actors are also believed to be supporting militant activities inside the country.
According to the sources, Indian involvement has been identified by Pakistani authorities as a major concern in the broader security situation. They also said that discussions have taken place regarding the possible role of other regional actors, including Israel. These claims represent the position attributed to Pakistani officials and have not been independently established in the information provided.
The federal government maintains that responding to external security threats is a national responsibility. Sources said the country’s security policy will be formulated by the federal government in consultation with military and defence authorities, while provincial governments are expected to support and implement the agreed national strategy.
A source involved in talks with PTI leadership said that when the country faces what authorities describe as external aggression, it would be difficult to maintain separate security policies for different provinces. The message to PTI was reportedly aimed at ensuring greater coordination between the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments.
The issue comes amid growing political tensions between Islamabad and the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, particularly over how to respond to the province’s security challenges. According to sources, the federal government expects the provincial administration to cooperate fully with security forces and law-enforcement agencies in counterterrorism efforts.
Sources further said the federal government considers the matter to have moved beyond a routine political dispute between Islamabad and Peshawar. From the centre’s perspective, national security policy must remain coordinated at the federal level, while provincial governments are expected to align their actions with the broader national counterterrorism framework.
