Lakki Marwat, Pakistan: Hundreds of police officers have been protesting since Sunday in the Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The protest is aimed at demanding that the army, not the police, lead the anti-terrorism campaign, as officers feel unsafe and inadequately equipped to tackle the escalating threat.

The protestors have blocked the Peshawar-Karachi Indus highway, effectively cutting off KP from the rest of the country. The highway closure has caused significant disruption, halting traffic and impacting daily life. Despite negotiations, local authorities have failed to reach an agreement with the protestors.

Protesting officers, joined by colleagues from neighboring districts like Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan, have declared two conditions for ending the blockade: the withdrawal of the army from Lakki Marwat or "martyrdom." The officers stated they are prepared to sacrifice their lives if their demands are not met.

The police argue that they are ill-equipped to handle the rising terrorism in the region, pointing out that 29 attacks occurred in KP in August alone, resulting in 25 deaths. Lakki Marwat has been particularly affected, with police, security personnel, and government officials becoming prime targets for terrorists.

An editorial in The Dawn supports the police's concerns, stating that their grievances highlight the deteriorating law and order in KP. The involvement of local citizens in the protests underscores the severity of the situation, with many calling for the police to be empowered to restore peace in the area.

The relationship between Pakistan's police and military has historically been fraught with tension, stemming from the country's colonial past and the military's dominant role in governance. These tensions have led to jurisdictional disputes, with the police often feeling marginalized in security operations led by the military.

As the protests continue, there is increasing pressure on the government to address the police's concerns and find a solution to the growing security crisis in KP.