Peshawar — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed authorities to ensure full security cover for Awami National Party (ANP) president Aimal Wali Khan, after reports that federal authorities had withdrawn his protection. The provincial government’s decision comes amid fresh concerns over threats to Aimal Wali Khan and his family, and reflects a firm stance by KP leadership that the preservation of human life takes precedence over jurisdictional disagreements.
A statement issued by the chief minister’s spokesperson, Faraz Mughal, said that while the federal government is responsible for decisions regarding withdrawal of security at the national level, the CM has nonetheless instructed the Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to maintain the existing security detail for Aimal Wali Khan “in all circumstances.” Mughal emphasized that the provincial administration will not compromise on the safety of any political leader, particularly when the leader’s family has previously been targeted.
“Aimal Wali Khan and his family have been targeted before. A reduction in security at this time is neither acceptable nor safe,” the spokesperson said. He added that decisions about security allocations at the federal level do not absolve provincial authorities from their duty of care. “Human life is sacrosanct; no compromise can be made on protecting it,” Mughal asserted.
The move by the KP chief executive follows public comments by Aimal Wali Khan in which he claimed the federal government had removed his and his family’s security detail. He warned that if anything untoward befell him or his family, the federal government would be held responsible. In response to those concerns, the provincial leadership moved quickly to reassure the ANP leader and the public that immediate protective steps would remain in place.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, echoed the chief minister’s position, publicly opposing the withdrawal of security from political figures facing credible threats. “If political leaders are under threat they should be provided protection. I stand against any move to take away security from leaders who face real dangers,” the governor said. His remarks reinforced a growing consensus within provincial leadership that security decisions should prioritize threat assessments and public safety rather than political calculations.
Background and context
Aimal Wali Khan, scion of a prominent political family and current head of the ANP, has long been a vocal critic of militancy and sectarian violence and an advocate for provincial and nationalist causes. Over the years, members of his family and party workers have faced threats and attacks, reflecting Pakistan’s difficult security environment for many political actors. Those past incidents have made the issue of personal protection particularly sensitive for the ANP leadership.
The reported withdrawal by federal authorities—if confirmed—would not be unprecedented in Pakistan’s complex security management environment, where protection details for politicians may be revised following threat reassessments, budgetary considerations, or inter-agency reviews. However, such moves often generate political controversy when they affect prominent figures with a history of targeted threats. Provincial and federal responsibilities can overlap, producing disputes over who should bear the burden of protection.
Political reactions and implications
Political parties and commentators have reacted to the episode with concern. Opposition figures criticized any unilateral decision to strip security from an active political leader without transparent justification based on a public threat assessment. Civil society activists also warned that politicizing protection decisions risks exposing individuals to harm and undermining public confidence in state institutions.
ANP leaders welcomed the KP government’s intervention and stressed that the party will continue to press for clarity from federal authorities on the basis for any security changes. “We appreciate the chief minister’s swift action to ensure Aimal Sahib’s safety. The matter of protection should be determined by objective threat assessments, not by political maneuvering,” a senior ANP official said.
Official procedure and next steps
Provincial officials said the immediate step is to maintain the existing security detail and carry out an independent threat evaluation. The Inspector General will coordinate with relevant provincial security agencies to ensure that Aimal Wali Khan and his family receive continuous protection. Simultaneously, the provincial government will seek formal communication from federal security agencies to clarify any official changes and the rationale behind them.
Security analysts noted that transparent protocols for assigning—or withdrawing—security cover are essential to avoid confusion and political fallout. They urged that any decision to alter protection levels should be accompanied by a clear, evidence-based explanation that can be reviewed and, if necessary, appealed through official channels.
Public safety angle
The episode has also renewed debate about the broader protection needs of politicians in Pakistan, especially those who actively challenge extremist narratives or represent minority political positions. Observers argued that safeguarding politicians is not only about individual safety but also about protecting democratic space and the rights of citizens to participate in political life without fear.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s instruction to maintain Aimal Wali Khan’s security sends a clear message that, at least in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial leadership will act decisively to protect political figures who face credible threats. The situation has highlighted the complex interplay between federal and provincial responsibilities for security and the political sensitivities that surround protective arrangements for high-profile leaders. As provincial police sustain protective measures, attention will now turn to federal explanations and whether a cooperative resolution can be reached that satisfies both legal protocols and the paramount need to protect lives.
