Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated on Wednesday that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, police, and security forces will collaboratively work to restore peace in the province, particularly in the merged tribal districts. In a video message, the provincial chief executive highlighted that terrorism remains the most significant obstacle to development, especially in areas where violence has impeded progress.
“Terrorists are using residential areas as shields so they cannot be targeted, but we will not allow them to hide among civilians under any circumstances,” he asserted. Gandapur warned that a deliberate conspiracy is being orchestrated to sow distrust among the public, the government, and security institutions. He urged, “The public must stand with the government and the forces so we can expose and foil these conspiracies.”
He announced that jirgas will commence from August 2, where political, social, and tribal leaders will be consulted. “A grand jirga will follow to form a joint strategy against terrorism,” the CM added. He further stated that terrorists and their facilitators would be eliminated, and ongoing operations would be conducted in a manner that minimizes harm to the public.
However, Gandapur made it clear that “no one will be allowed to conduct operations here without approval,” emphasizing that “mass displacement and its damages are hard to compensate for.”
Separately, a meeting of the provincial apex committee, chaired by CM Gandapur, was also held in Peshawar. Attendees included the Corps Commander Peshawar, the chief secretary, inspector general of police, and members of the assembly from Bajaur, Khyber, and North Waziristan.
The meeting reviewed the security situation, with a specific focus on the merged districts. Briefings were provided on various dimensions of the current challenges, and tributes were paid to the civilians, police, and security personnel martyred in recent terror incidents. The committee underscored the importance of improving institutional coordination and regaining public trust to strengthen anti-terror efforts.
Gandapur reiterated that the province’s mineral resources belong to the people, stating: “No one has asked for control of them, nor will I hand it over to anyone.” He conveyed a clear message to institutions and political parties that the government stands firmly with the people and that terrorism is a shared enemy that demands a collective fight.
