PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, in coordination with the Pakistan Armed Forces, has reaffirmed its resolve to jointly combat terrorism. The commitment was reiterated during a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, which stated unified action, mutual coordination and the use of all available resources to restore peace and stability in the province.
A crucial meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was held under the chairmanship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, the Corps Commander Peshawar, the Chief Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and senior civil, military and law enforcement officials.
At the outset of the meeting, Fateha was offered for civilians, security forces, and other law enforcement personnel martyred in various incidents, and tributes were paid to the martyrs.
The forum reviewed the action plan to counter the rising incidents of terrorism and the menace of Fitna-ul-Khawarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to restore complete peace and stability in the province.
The meeting emphasised that joint consultation, cooperation and effective coordination among all political parties, public representatives, dignitaries and the federal government are essential for the success of a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy.
It was decided that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will utilise all available resources, including the army, police, CTD and other institutions, and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice in this regard.
The committee agreed that a long-term strategy would focus on identifying the root causes of terrorism, eliminating them, and restoring public confidence so that the government and the people can jointly ensure the country’s security and development.
The meeting noted that good governance and public welfare remain the core agenda of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to unite the nation against terrorism. In the first phase, terrorism-affected areas will be transformed into model districts of good governance, while gaps in development, social services and economic growth will be addressed through the use of all government resources.
A special package will be provided for security, communication, health, education, employment, basic amenities and other services in these areas under a structured program.
The forum also decided that in areas where temporary displacement has taken place for sustainable stability, the government will ensure full care, rehabilitation and provision of basic needs for affected people during the process. Their dignified return was declared the government’s top priority.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that peace is the government’s foremost priority and there will be no compromise on it. He added that the civil government, administration, Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies are on the same page for maintaining peace and order, and that this common war can only be won through collective efforts.
