Terrorism’s elimination top priority in KP, says governor
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has declared the complete eradication of terrorism from the province a top priority, announcing a zero-tolerance policy towards militant groups and pledging increased intelligence-based operations to restore peace.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar alongside senior officials on Sunday, Kundi said there would be no negotiations with those who rejected the state, the Constitution, and the law, or took up arms against the country.
He stressed that the fight against terrorism must be won, with no option of retreat or defeat.
The governor said the provincial government’s security policy would now be determined in Islamabad rather than Kabul, Jalalabad or Kandahar, alleging that Afghan territory was being used against Pakistan.
Criticising the previous provincial government, he said it had failed to extend adequate support to the federal government in the fight against terrorism and had not taken political ownership of the anti-terror operation.
Kundi said intelligence-based operations were essential to restore law and order, adding that the government would also target militant facilitators and those providing support to terrorist networks.
He announced that a decision had been taken to equip the KP police with modern weapons and ammunition, vowing that the force would receive all possible assistance.
He said the government had also taken steps to improve police salaries and welfare packages for families of personnel killed in the line of duty.
Expressing concern over the absence of police lines in the merged tribal districts, the governor said police personnel could not be left to fight terrorism with limited ammunition and basic weapons.
He said the provincial government had sought Rs160 billion from the federal government to meet security requirements, adding that the centre had supported the demand.
Kundi said restoring peace was essential for the province’s development, stressing that infrastructure projects, roads and bridges would have little value unless people’s lives were secure.
He also highlighted the need to engage young people in positive activities and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to stand alongside security forces and police in the fight against terrorism, saying there could be no compromise on the protection of citizens and the authority of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the KP interior secretary said the police and Counter Terrorism Department would receive Rs70 billion this year.
He also announced plans to establish new courts in KP for the trial of terrorism suspects.
The secretary said intelligence-based operations would be intensified and action would also be taken against facilitators of terrorist activities.