K-P seeks judicial probe into Bannu attack

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa apex committee announced it would seek the formation of a judicial commission to probe the attack on an army cantonment in Bannu.

The committee would request the chief justice of Pakistan to form the commission and also conduct an independent inquiry into the incident to identify those responsible.

To prevent similar incidents in future, the apex body recommended the formation of committees at the divisional and district levels. These committees would be chaired by commissioners and deputy commissioners.

The meeting of the apex committee was chaired by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and attended by the Peshawar corps commander, K-P chief secretary, IGP, five members of the Bannu Aman Jirga, and other officials.

In the concluding declaration of the apex committee meeting, it was emphasised that the primary objective of the gathering was to solidify the collaborative efforts of the K-P government, Pakistan Army and the police to eradicate terrorism and establish lasting peace.

Keeping recent events in mind, the CM issued directives for a comprehensive policy to restore peace and order in the province by eliminating terrorism. The recommendations of this policy were presented to the apex committee.

"In the wake of two unfortunate incidents in Bannu, local leaders played a crucial role in diffusing the situation by engaging in dialogue and cooperation with the administration and institutions," it was stated.

The committee was told that all institutions were working to ensure long-term peace and prosperity in K-P. "Today, representatives from the office of the Chief Minister, civil service, police, and military have gathered to address this goal."

To achieve this objective, it was decided terrorism, in all its forms, would be dealt with indiscriminately. The chief minister gave orders to the police to arrest any armed non official and take legal action.

Furthermore, the meeting declared that the establishment of offices, bases, or checkpoints by non-state armed groups was illegal. The police would take indiscriminate action against such entities, and this policy would be enforced across all the regions.

Meanwhile, the military confirmed that no operation was currently taking place in the province. Instead, the police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) would take local action against militant elements. To enhance their capabilities, the vehicles, armor, and firearms of the police and CTD were being upgraded and personnel increased.

However, due to the unique nature, topography, and proximity to the border of certain areas, operations may require assistance from Pakistan's armed forces. In such cases, action will be taken according to the circumstances.

The police were directed to immediately ensure regular and round-the-clock patrolling across the province, including the southern districts, on a priority basis. Additional support would be provided to existing personnel and vehicles. All these areas were being given priority through the creation of new posts and this process was set to continue.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was made responsible for taking action on suspicious areas and schools. In the border tribal districts, the local population relied heavily on trade with neighbouring tribes, which involved movement across various borders, such as Torkham, Kharlachi, and Angoradah.

It was decided that trade would be permitted on the traditional borders of Ghulam Khan and in the districts of Bajaur and Mohmand.

Allowing trade along these traditional borders would have several benefits, including creating local employment opportunities, and promoting prosperity. In addition, legal businesses would generate revenue and also discourage smuggling.

It was decided that committees would be established on the commissioner level for the swift and localised resolution of misunderstandings between the public and institutions. These bodies would comprise public representatives, as well as civil, military, and police officials.

These committees would convene an urgent jirga to discuss any incident or problem that arose before working towards practical solutions.

The purpose of these committees was to enable the public and institutions to move forward together, creating a joint action plan for the country's peace and development. Such committees would also be formed on the district level.

Meanwhle, an application would be submitted to the judiciary for a judicial inquiry into the incident. In the meantime, the government would also conduct its own inquiry to find the militants responsible.

That apex committee believed that a peaceful protest was the constitutional right of every citizen. The importance of individuals adhering to the law and code of conduct was equally stressed during the meeting.

It was advised that lawlessness and violent protests be avoided, as they can be exploited by other elements with ulterior motives. The committee acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Pakistan army, police, and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism.

It stressed that any undemocratic agenda or propaganda that may harm these individuals or their families must be avoided. It was pointed out that certain elements had criticised government institutions unnecessarily, thus hurting the sentiments of soldiers and officers who had sacrificed plenty. "The apex committee considers this behaviour unacceptable and emphasizes that there is no room for such actions in the future."

 

No leniency for militants, warns Saif

K-P CM's Information Advisor Barrister Dr Saif stressed that neither had the government allowed any form of an operation in the province, nor would there be any leniency with the lawless elements. He said such decisions were taken for regional stability.

"We were in favor of talks yesterday and even today want to find a way to peace through talks with the militants." He added that the government was writing to the chief justice of Pakistan for a judicial inquiry into the Bannu incident.

"The chief minister is visiting Bannu on Friday where he will also address a public meeting. The advisor made these revelations while briefing the media on the outcome of the apex committee meeting.

He said that the government immediately took control of the matter and pacified the situation. He warned that despite this, action would be take anyone found guilty of negligence.

He stated that confusion had deliberately been caused over the launch of a military operation, assuring that one would not take place.

"Police and CTD will be at the forefront of every operation against terrorism, while the army will only be called when needed." Dr Saif revealed that Rs3.3 billion had been given to the police and CTD for resources.

He added that the mandate of the apex committee was being extended to the divisional and district levels. He said that any raids on madrasahs and mosques would be conducted by the police and CTD. "The safe city project will be expanded to other cities along with Peshawar," he assured. He said that earlier, militants were active in the northern areas, but now they are confined to the southern districts. He claimed that terrorist elements were coming from Afghanistan through Balochistan to K-P.