Barrister Saif accuses Centre of propaganda against K-P, military over Bannu incident

Provincial information advisor terms Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar's role as 'ridiculous' in whole episode

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's (K-P) Information Advisor, Barrister Saif, has accused federal agencies of doing propaganda against the provincial government and military over the Bannu incident, labelling Atta Tarar's role in it as "ridiculous."

Speaking to the media after an apex committee meeting chaired by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Thursday, Saif said that military officials and members of the Bannu Jirga also attended the meeting.

The discussion focused on the province's law and order situation.

He noted that eight military personnel and two civilians were martyred in the Bannu cantonment attack. At the same time, a protest on July 19 resulted in the death of one person due to gunfire.

Saif mentioned that the previous apex committee meeting had made significant decisions, and the government promptly controlled the situation, engaging in talks with the peace committee and presenting their demands to the CM.

"We discussed 16 points concerning the entire province, including the Azm-e-Istahkam operation, which requires a defined procedure; otherwise, it cannot be allowed," the PTI lawmaker said.

"Deliberate confusion was created about this operation, but it is not a new military operation. Existing actions will continue," he stated.

Saif emphasised that police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) would be at the forefront of every anti-terrorism operation.

"We have allocated 3.3 billion rupees to provide resources to the police and CTD, increase security personnel, and recruit 500 personnel for Kulachi. Additional personnel will be recruited from relevant districts for the CTD," he added.

The K-P advisor said military leadership would fully cooperate for law and order, and the apex committee's scope would be extended to divisional and district levels.

"Complete enforcement and action will be taken on the blockade of terrorists and check posts, and more resources will be provided to southern districts," he said.

He announced that police and CTD would conduct operations and that a judicial commission would be formed to investigate the Bannu incident.

"We are compiling an administrative report, and once the chief justice nominates a member for the judicial commission, the administrative inquiry will also come under their jurisdiction," Saif explained.

He revealed that CM Gandapur would visit Bannu the next day and address a public gathering at 3pm.

He condemned the political activities harming national interests and mentioned the federal government's propaganda against the provincial government and military regarding the Bannu incident.

"Atta Tarar's role in this propaganda is ridiculous, and one province also played a part by creating confusion regarding Azm-e-Istehkam operation," he maintained.

The advisor said it was decided in the apex committee meeting that raids on madrassas and mosques would be conducted by police and CTD.

He also noted that militants, previously active in northern areas, are now in southern districts and entering Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa via Balochistan.

"Action will be taken against institutions failing in their duties regarding law and order," he warned.

"We negotiated with the Taliban for peace, but accusations were made against us. Those who lay down arms and talk should be engaged, which is the Islamic way. Too much blood has been shed; issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations," Saif concluded.