LEGAL

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Calls for Unified Approach to Combat Terrorism

KP government vows united fight against terrorism, pledges resources & special development packages for affected areas. CM Afridi emphasizes cooperation with federal govt & political parties.
2026-02-05
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Calls for Unified Approach to Combat Terrorism

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) apex committee emphasized on Thursday that “consultation, cooperation, and coordination” with the federal government and all political parties is essential for a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy in the province.

The meeting, chaired by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi—his first since assuming office on Wednesday—focused on addressing the rise in terrorism incidents and devising a strategy to eradicate the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by authorities as Fitna-al-Khawarij.

According to a press release from the KP CM’s office, the committee agreed that joint efforts among political parties, public representatives, and federal authorities are critical for success. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, the Peshawar corps commander, the chief secretary, KP inspector general, and senior civil, military, and law enforcement officials.

The apex committee resolved that the provincial government will deploy all available resources—including the armed forces, police, and Counter-Terrorism Department—to combat terrorism and will not hesitate to make necessary sacrifices. A long-term strategy is planned to identify root causes of terrorism and restore public confidence, enabling the government and citizens to work together for the province’s progress.

In a first phase, terrorism-affected areas will be converted into “model good governance districts,” with government resources directed toward improving development, social services, and economic growth. A special package will provide security, communication, healthcare, education, employment, and other basic services in affected areas under an organized program.

The committee also prioritized the safe and dignified return of residents temporarily relocated due to military operations. “Their dignified return is a top priority for the KP government,” the statement said.

CM Afridi reiterated that the fight against terrorism is a collective effort requiring coordinated civil and military action. He highlighted that the provincial government, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies are united in their approach to maintaining law and order and achieving sustainable peace.

The meeting follows discussions between CM Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on KP’s finances and counter-terrorism. PM Sharif described provincial cooperation as “unavoidable” for establishing law and order and stressed strengthening provincial departments to combat militancy.

The call for greater collaboration comes amid heightened militancy in KP. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies’ Annual Security Report 2025, fatalities in the province rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025—an increase of 711 deaths, accounting for over 82% of the net national rise and a 44% year-on-year surge.

The KP government has repeatedly urged a shift in counter-terrorism policy-making to include provincial input, signaling a move toward more locally coordinated security efforts.