Ending terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the provincial government’s top priority, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Monday. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also pledged full federal support to strengthen security institutions and restore peace across the province.
The statements came during a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee chaired by Kundi. Participants discussed the law and order situation, counterterrorism measures, the capacity of security institutions and development issues. The meeting focused on improving security and creating conditions for lasting peace.
Kundi said the government was responsible for managing provincial affairs effectively and providing citizens with a safe environment. He added that all institutions shared the goal of restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the governor, people wanted security, development and prosperity.
The governor said the capacity of law enforcement agencies would be improved and the requirements of the provincial police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had been met. He stressed that security could not be compromised for development. Kundi also said peace was essential for the province to benefit from its natural resources and development opportunities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal and provincial governments were working together on counterterrorism efforts. He noted that residents wanted to live without the threat of terrorism. Naqvi emphasised the need to strengthen the police and other law enforcement agencies, including providing modern weapons to provincial police personnel.
Naqvi acknowledged the sacrifices made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers in the fight against terrorism. He said the provincial government needed to take the lead, while the federal government would fulfil its responsibilities and provide all possible assistance. He also criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that it had focused on road blockades and unrest rather than counterterrorism efforts.
The interior minister praised residents for remaining peaceful amid the prevailing situation. Both officials stressed that stronger security institutions and coordinated government action were necessary to eliminate terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They maintained that restoring peace would also help the province advance its development goals and improve public safety.
