PESHAWAR – The strategic district of Nowshera, a vital gateway to Central Asia and Afghanistan and a key link between KP and Punjab, is experiencing a dramatic rise in crime. Extortion, land grabbing, drug trafficking, and armed robberies have surged alarmingly,
plunging residents into a state of fear and insecurity. Despite the deteriorating law-and-order situation, district police officials appear more preoccupied with their social media presence than with tackling the escalating criminal activities. Reliable sources indicate that Nowshera, once known for its economic and strategic significance, is fast becoming a haven for criminal elements.
The district is witnessing an unprecedented increase in aerial firing, one-wheeling, burglaries, armed muggings, and targeted killings. Organized land mafias are operating with impunity, while reports suggest that Nowshera is emerging as a major hub for smuggling illicit goods, including narcotics. The gravity of the situation can be gauged from a daring daylight heist at the National Bank’s Taru Jabba branch, located on the GT Road linking Peshawar and Lahore. A gang of robbers looted a staggering 578 tolas of gold and over 17.86 million rupees before vanishing without a trace. Such brazen acts of lawlessness in broad daylight underscore the police force’s diminishing authority in the district.
In another shocking incident, unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle assassinated a former local government representative and a close associate of former Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. The assailants escaped unchallenged, further exposing the police’s failure to curb targeted killings, which are now a recurring nightmare for the people of Nowshera. Adding to the chaos, criminals recently ransacked the farmhouse of a senior journalist in the outskirts of Pabbi’s Wazir Garhi area. The attackers not only demolished the farmhouse but also looted valuables and agricultural machinery worth millions. While an First Information Report has been registered, the perpetrators remain at large, highlighting the police’s apparent helplessness in bringing them to justice. The rise in violent crime and lawlessness paints a grim picture of the failure of law enforcement agencies to maintain order. Police officers themselves have become frequent targets, with deadly attacks on personnel occurring almost daily. This relentless violence is significantly lowering the morale of the force.
During a recent court hearing regarding the bail petition of an advisor to the Information Minister, Peshawar High Court’s senior judge, Justice Atiq Shah, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security landscape. He lamented the unchecked spread of narcotics, warning that the youth’s future is being systematically destroyed. Justice Shah did not mince words in criticizing the authorities, stating that either they are oblivious to administrative failures in once-peaceful districts, or their priorities are grossly misplaced. Residents of KP are now demanding urgent and decisive action from the provincial government, police leadership, and other security agencies. Immediate corrective measures are imperative to restore order, eliminate criminal networks, and ensure public safety. The alarming rise in extortion and targeted killings points to a deeper crisis, where Nowshera appears to be evolving into a drug trafficking hub. Political interference in police appointments and transfers has further eroded the force’s operational efficiency. Several former and serving senior police officers have voiced concerns over meritless postings,
warning that political meddling is severely undermining the credibility and effectiveness of law enforcement. The current state of affairs is a direct reflection of the government’s weakening grip on security and the lack of proactive measures by law enforcement agencies. With police personnel under frequent attack and criminals operating with near-total impunity, the need for an urgent and well-structured security strategy has never been greater. Unless immediate and firm action is taken, not only will Nowshera continue its descent into lawlessness, but other districts across the province may also follow suit, further destabilizing KP.
Daily Newsman asked the district police officer for comments, he said that I am posted on 13/1/2025 just before one month and two day , while on one hande police is on the front line against crime and terrorism and also he blamed that this is painted one sided story.
