'K-P govt stands with security forces'

Adviser to CM clarifies no cabinet meeting held at Peshawar's Corps Commander's House

PESHAWAR:

Waving away rumours, Adviser to the chief minister on information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif on Friday appeared to be striking a conciliatory tone, asserting that the provincial government – led by PTI – and the security forces had a united front against the security threats in the province.

"If we won't stand with our own army to safeguard our people's lives and properties, would we choose to ally with the Indian army?" he questioned while addressing the media.

He quashed murmurs of a provincial cabinet meeting held at the Peshawar's Corps Commander's House, labelling them as nothing more than political smoke and mirrors.

Reflecting on the significance of collaboration between the government and security institutions, Saif stressed the shared responsibility in maintaining security.

He further expressed his commitment to proactive engagement and cooperation with the military, particularly in navigating the prevailing security challenges faced by the province.

Barrister Saif categorically denied any cabinet gathering and clarified that the cabinet members were invited to an Iftar dinner at XI Corps, a customary practice during Ramazan, which they accepted in accordance with Islamic traditions.

Following the Iftar, cabinet members were briefed on the prevailing security situation in the province.
Clarifying the venue choice, Saif said that 11 Corps have a specialised briefing room for security matters available, prompting the cabinet members' relocation.

Furthermore, the provincial information adviser underscored that the authority to call for a cabinet meeting rests solely with the chief minister, reiterating that no such meeting took place at the Corps Commander's House.

Saif elaborated on the events of the evening, highlighting a comprehensive security briefing followed by a question and answer session, which saw active participation from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

During his address, Gandapur shed light on the security landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and governmental efforts in addressing pertinent issues.

Touching upon the border dynamics with Afghanistan, Saif stressed the heavy responsibilities borne by security agencies and pledged to work closely with them to safeguard the lives and property of the masses.

He said that in the face of such baseless allegations, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens through collaborative efforts between the government and the security apparatus.

The advisor's clarification follows reports indicating the attendance of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and provincial ministers at an Iftar event, where they received a comprehensive briefing on the peace and security landscape in the province.

According to these reports, an extensive discussion unfolded regarding the security scenario in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the aforementioned briefing.

Furthermore, it was noted in the reports that Imran Khan, the founder of the PTI, was fully briefed during the gathering, including the Iftar and subsequent briefing, wherein he expressed unwavering confidence in Ali Amin Gandapur.

However, it is important to highlight that on Thursday, circulating reports suggested that a cabinet session of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was convened at the Corps Commander House in Peshawar, where the provincial government provided military leadership with an overview of provincial affairs.