The federal government has declared 26 districts across six regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as hard areas and approved a security risk allowance for administrative and police officers posted in areas affected by terrorism.

The Establishment Division has formally conveyed the decision to the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through an official letter.

The districts declared hard areas include Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Charsadda, Mohmand, Nowshera, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Upper and Lower South Waziristan, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Bajaur, Upper and Lower Dir, and Upper and Lower Chitral.

Under the decision, eligible officers serving in these districts will receive a security risk allowance equivalent to 250 percent of their basic pay, which will be borne by the federal government.