PESHAWAR_The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, has approved the repeal of the Action (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011, during its first cabinet session on November 14, 2025, in Peshawar. The regulation, originally enacted to support counterterrorism operations in the former tribal districts of KP, had provided security forces with broad immunity during operations. It faced widespread criticism for facilitating human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The repeal comes after a unanimous resolution passed by the KP Assembly, which urged the provincial government to withdraw its pending appeal before the Supreme Court against a prior Peshawar High Court ruling declaring aspects of the law unconstitutional.
Government Highlights Human Rights Concerns
According to Shafi Jan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, the cabinet also directed steps to ensure the withdrawal of the Supreme Court appeal. This marks a major legal and political victory for civil rights advocates, who have long argued that the 2011 regulation undermined the rule of law and accountability in the province. The law, which allowed military operations in aid of civil power, was seen as essential for counterterrorism but simultaneously criticized for its lack of safeguards and oversight.
Impact on Civilian Protection and Governance
The repeal of the regulation is expected to restore some measure of accountability and legal protection for civilians in KP, particularly in areas that were previously most affected by military operations. Legal experts say that the move strengthens the judiciary’s role and reinforces fundamental rights by removing legal cover that may have been misused during security operations. The government’s decision aligns with its broader reform agenda, signaling a shift towards rights-based governance and greater transparency in security affairs.
Additional Governance Reforms
In addition to repealing the law, the cabinet approved the establishment of a commission to investigate the May 9, 2023, attack on the Radio Pakistan building in Peshawar, while also adopting new Witness Protection Rules 2025 to safeguard individuals participating in sensitive investigations. Chief Minister Afridi’s first cabinet meeting also emphasized governance reforms, including zero tolerance for corruption, banning the misuse of public funds for individual publicity, and allocating resources to educational and infrastructure projects.
Challenges Ahead for Security Operations
While the repeal is being celebrated as a historic step towards protecting human rights, analysts caution that it may limit operational flexibility for security forces in counterterrorism operations, making it essential for KP to strengthen policing and other law enforcement mechanisms. The implementation of the repeal will require close monitoring to ensure it translates into meaningful protections for citizens while maintaining public safety in the province.
