Asif says DG ISPR delivered ‘charge sheet’ against KP govt

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government of failing to play an adequate role in the fight against terrorism.

In a series of posts on social media, Asif said the recent press conference by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had highlighted serious concerns about the provincial administration’s approach towards militancy.

Asif described the military spokesperson’s remarks as effectively a “charge sheet” against the KP government. He questioned why the provincial administration was not doing more to strengthen its police force and confront militant groups.

The defence minister said political activity should not be used to protect or justify actions that could facilitate terrorism. He urged the provincial government to take a clearer position on the fight against militancy.

Asif also questioned remarks about an alleged lack of clarity in the country’s terrorism narrative. He said Pakistan had designated the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna al-Khawarij and argued that all state institutions and political forces should maintain a clear position on the issue.

He further criticised the PTI’s calls for engagement with the Afghan authorities, saying such an approach could create confusion over Pakistan’s policy towards militancy and Kabul.

According to Asif, the KP government and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had not clearly used the state’s designation for the TTP. He questioned what should be inferred from the provincial leadership’s position.

The minister said combating terrorism required stronger coordination between the federal and provincial governments. He also stressed the importance of improving the capacity of the KP police to deal with the security challenges facing the province.

Asif maintained that political activity, democracy and state institutions could only function effectively when the country’s security was protected.