KP Govt Pledges All-Out Crackdown on Terrorism, Vows Lasting Peace

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate terrorism and re-establish peace across the province, pledging to deploy all available resources to meet the challenge.

According to an official statement issued Thursday by the Chief Minister’s Press Office, the commitment was reiterated during a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee, chaired for the first time by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

The session was attended by provincial ministers, Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Omer Ahmed Bokhari, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and senior civil, military and law enforcement officials.

The meeting began with prayers for civilians, security personnel and law enforcement officers martyred in recent attacks. Participants reviewed the surge in terrorist incidents and deliberated on a comprehensive counterterrorism framework aimed at ensuring sustainable peace.

Officials emphasized that effective counterterrorism requires close coordination among political stakeholders, public representatives, community leaders and the federal government.

Chief Minister Afridi stressed that the provincial government would spare no effort in the fight against terrorism, stating that the army, police and Counter-Terrorism Department would be fully mobilised.

The committee also approved a long-term plan to tackle the underlying causes of extremism, rebuild public trust and unite citizens with the state in safeguarding national security and development.

Under the strategy, terrorism-affected regions will be converted into model districts through improved governance, targeted development projects and expanded social services. Special packages covering security, transport, health, education and employment will be introduced to address long-standing deprivation.

The government also pledged the safe and dignified rehabilitation of residents displaced by security operations, terming their return essential for enduring peace and prosperity.

“Peace is our top priority, and there will be no compromise,” Chief Minister Afridi said, adding that civilian authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Pakistan Army were working in close coordination.

“This is a shared fight, and it can only be won through collective effort,” he added.