PTI’s absence from APC on K-P security draws criticism

An all-parties conference (APC) convened at the Governor House in Peshawar to address the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), including the escalating unrest in the province's Kurram district.

While various political leaders attended, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opted not to participate in the gathering, chaired by K-P's Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

The conference was attended by leaders from the Awami National Party (ANP), National Party, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and other factions, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Engineer Amir Maqam, Maulana Lutfur Rahman, and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)'s) Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan Sherpao.

Speaking to the media before the conference, Governor Kundi criticised PTI’s absence, accusing the party of fostering division and neglecting the province’s security issues.

“It’s clear from their boycott that they prefer chaos over cooperation. PTI has handed over the province to militants while focusing on Islamabad,” Kundi stated.

The PTI's absence was strongly condemned by several leaders at the conference.

ANP leader Mehmood Khan demanded that the federal government stop discriminating against the Pashtun community in Punjab and criticised PTI for not participating. "PTI should have been here today," he said.

Federal Minister Amir Maqam, belonging to the Pakistan Muslims League - Nawaz (PML-N) added that PTI leaders are quick to mobilise for protests in Islamabad but remain indifferent to the security crisis in K-P.

"They are ready to charge towards Islamabad but not willing to address provincial issues," Maqam said.

The APC was convenved at a time when the security situation in K-P remains tense, particularly in Kurram and other border areas, where ongoing violence has disrupted daily life.