ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry has criticised the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its response to terrorism, alleging shortcomings in leadership, resources and the use of authority.
Addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday, Chaudhry said provincial political leadership could contribute to counterterrorism efforts through three areas: leadership, resources and powers. He alleged that the KP government had failed to provide adequate support to security forces.
Chaudhry said it was the provincial government’s responsibility to allocate funds for counterterrorism and questioned the availability of resources for the KP police. He claimed the province lacked adequate protective equipment, vehicles, training, a fully functional Counter-Terrorism Department, Safe City infrastructure and forensic facilities.
He also questioned the use of funds received by KP under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and called for greater accountability over their utilisation.
The minister criticised the proposed KP Police Act, saying changes to the police command structure could affect the force’s ability to respond to terrorism. The federal government has previously objected to the proposed legislation, which would place some operational, administrative and financial decisions of the inspector general of police under the provincial government or chief minister.
Chaudhry also questioned the KP government’s response to recent terrorist attacks and its position regarding militant activity originating from Afghanistan. He said Islamabad had repeatedly raised its concerns with Kabul through dialogue, dossiers and international forums.
He further alleged that the provincial government had not adequately participated in federal-level discussions on counterterrorism, while the PTI has maintained that it should have greater input in national security policy.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar separately accused the PTI-led KP government of failing to take sufficient ownership of the fight against terrorism. These allegations are part of an ongoing political dispute between the federal government and the KP administration.
Pakistan has recently carried out security operations and strikes against militant targets following a series of attacks in KP and along the Afghan border. The government has also raised concerns with Afghanistan over alleged militant sanctuaries and cross-border attacks.
The federal government’s latest criticism comes amid heightened political tensions, with the PTI-led KP government also engaged in a dispute with Islamabad over political and security issues.
