K-P bolsters security after suicide attacks
In the wake of escalating terrorist attacks on the police in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the province’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Muhammad Azam Khan, has taken decisive action to enhance security and address the growing concerns over law and order.
In a crucial meeting held at the Chief Minister House, he convened with key officials, including Provincial Minister for Information Barrister Feroz Jamal Shah Kakakhel, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, Secretary Home Abid Majeed, and other senior officials, to review the overall situation and devise a robust plan to maintain social harmony and cohesion, particularly during the holy month of Muharram. The recent wave of terrorist attacks on the police in the Khyber tribal district prompted Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan to emphasize the urgency of further strengthening security measures across the province.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the K-P police and security forces, paying tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect the province. Their bravery and dedication to ensuring the safety of citizens will be remembered forever.
The deteriorating law and order situation in K-P was exacerbated by the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, which resulted in the Taliban’s takeover of the war-torn country.
This development allowed the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to regroup and launch attacks on Pakistani soil with ease. Previously, the Afghan government and US drone operations had apprehended many Pakistani terrorists residing in Afghanistan, significantly impacting their capabilities to carry out attacks.
To address these challenges, a joint forum of all stakeholders was established in February 2022 to facilitate coordination between civil and military entities in combatting terrorism and maintaining law and order in K-P.
Under the leadership of then Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, the forum took stock of the prevailing situation, including the newly merged districts, and formulated a strategy to counter the rise in terrorism. The forum emphasized the need for coordinated efforts and decisions to tackle lawlessness, targeting criminals and miscreant elements.
In light of the recent incidents and the emerging threat during the holy month of Muharram, Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan stressed that safeguarding public safety during this sensitive period should be the highest priority. He called upon all stakeholders to play a proactive role in ensuring a secure environment for the people of K-P.
One of the vital steps taken by the forum was to bolster the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and extend its reach to the district level. The police were directed to submit feasible proposals to implement this expansion effectively.
Additionally, a joint forum of all stakeholders was formed to foster integrated efforts against terrorism, aiming to create a united front in the fight against extremist elements.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2023.