PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has identified the elimination of terrorism as the province’s top priority, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured full federal support to restore peace and strengthen law enforcement agencies.
The statements were made during a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee chaired by Governor Kundi, where participants reviewed the law and order situation, counterterrorism measures, the capacity of security institutions and development-related issues.
Addressing the meeting, Kundi said ensuring effective governance and providing a safe environment for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were among the government’s key responsibilities.
He said all institutions were united in their efforts to restore peace in the province, adding that the people wanted peace, development and prosperity. He stressed that every institution must remain focused on fulfilling its responsibilities.
The governor said the capacity of law enforcement agencies would be strengthened and that the requirements of the provincial police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had been addressed.
“We can sacrifice development, but not security,” Kundi said, adding that the government’s efforts to combat terrorism would become evident through its actions.
He also highlighted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural resources and economic potential, saying lasting peace was essential to fully utilise the province’s resources and development opportunities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal and provincial governments were aligned in their efforts to counter terrorism. He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted to live peacefully and be free from the threat of terrorism.
Naqvi said the government would strengthen the police and other law enforcement agencies, emphasising the need to equip the provincial police with modern weapons and necessary resources.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by KP police personnel in the fight against terrorism and said the province could overcome the security challenge if the provincial government took the lead in counterterrorism efforts.
The interior minister assured the provincial government that the federation would fulfil its responsibilities and provide all possible assistance to restore peace and improve the capabilities of security institutions.
Naqvi also criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that the federal government had repeatedly urged the former provincial leadership to participate in counterterrorism efforts but that it had focused instead on road blockades and political unrest.
He praised the public for maintaining peace amid the prevailing situation and reiterated that strengthening law enforcement agencies and eliminating terrorism were essential for achieving lasting stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
