CM calls all-party huddle on terror

Gandapur reviews security situation in MDs

PESHAWAR:

A high-level meeting chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was held at the Chief Minister's House to review the law and order situation in the merged districts, with a special focus on the restive North and South Waziristan.

During the meeting, it was decided to develop a joint, consensus-based strategy involving all segments of society and religious schools of thought to eliminate terrorism from the region. As part of this initiative, the provincial government will convene an All Parties Conference (APC), inviting parliamentary leaders of all political parties represented in the provincial assembly, as well as other prominent political figures.

The session also resolved to form a government delegation that will visit various areas to accelerate public consultation and gather broader input for the proposed strategy.

The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members and senior government officials. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gandapur stressed the urgent need for unity among all political stakeholders, urging them to set aside differences and work collectively to restore peace and stability.

"These critical times demand that we speak with one voice," he said. "A unified political front and a people-centric approach are essential to effectively counter terrorism. Lasting peace can only be achieved through meaningful actions, mutual consultation, and collective decision-making."

Meanwhile, in a major push to address Peshawar's traffic congestion, Chief Minister on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Northern Section of the Ring Road.

The 8.5-kilometer dual carriageway, stretching from Warsak Road to Nasir Bagh, will feature three lanes on each side. Constructed at a cost of Rs9.5 billion, the project will include three bridges, three underpasses, and link to University Road at two points — providing a vital alternate route to ease urban traffic flow. The project will be executed in four phases and is expected to be completed within a year.

Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the project will reduce pressure on University Road by 50 per cent, improving daily commutes for thousands. He criticized previous governments for delaying this crucial infrastructure but vowed timely delivery now that construction is underway.

Gandapur emphasized that Peshawar had long been neglected and announced a special development package in the current budget to restore its identity as the "City of Flowers." He revealed that 411 development projects were completed in the last fiscal year and Rs130 billion has been allocated to complete ongoing schemes, with an additional Rs50 billion under the ADP Plus initiative.

He also announced major upgrades in health and education. Every tehsil will get a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, and two new cardiac centers will be launched this year. In higher education, 30 new colleges will be established across the province.