ISLAMABAD/GILGIT: The federal government has approved the establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to combat terrorism and violence, especially along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). As part of the plan, 613 new posts have been created to strengthen the region’s security forces.
A Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting, chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission on July 25, reviewed the GB government’s project titled “Raising of Counter Terrorism Department in GB”, which is worth over Rs1.5 billion.
The initiative follows Prime Minister’s directive during his visit to GB on November 6 last year, where he ordered the establishment of the CTD within six months.
The project aims to improve the capacity of GB Police by filling gaps in manpower and technology, ensuring better responses to terror threats and detailed investigations.
Funding Challenges
While the CDWP approved the civil works portion of the project — including the CTD headquarters in Gilgit and a regional office in Chilas costing Rs720.5 million — funding for construction has been deferred until the 2026-27 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) due to financial constraints.
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The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives cited a “reduced fiscal space” and existing heavy commitments in GB as reasons for the delay. It directed the GB government to either fund the project itself or request recurring budget support from the Finance Division.
The GB Home Department told the forum that its regional budget cannot cover the new project, as it is already under severe strain due to a lack of resources and the impact of ongoing floods.
It also highlighted concerns over a Rs40 billion cut being considered by the Finance Division in the current development program, which would limit funding to ongoing strategic projects only.
613 Posts Approved with Conditions
The Finance Division agreed to the creation of 613 new CTD posts but placed strict conditions.
In an official letter, Section Officer Babar Nazir stated that all financial costs must be met by the GB government’s existing resources, and no additional funds would be provided by the federal government for this purpose.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions will oversee the project once it begins.
