Bilawal urges KP government to step up anti-terror efforts, calls for unconditional end to long march

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to play a greater role

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to play a greater role in countering terrorism and urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership to call off its planned long march unconditionally amid the province’s prevailing security situation.

Bilawal made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, during which the two discussed the political and security situation in the province.

According to a statement issued by the Governor House spokesperson, Governor Kundi briefed Bilawal on recent incidents of terrorism in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The briefing included details of security incidents reported in Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Kohat.

The governor also briefed the PPP chairman about developments concerning a drone reportedly shot down in Afghanistan, according to the spokesperson.

During the conversation, Bilawal stressed that the provincial government should play its part in dealing with the prevailing security challenges and the situation arising from terrorism.

He also called for the PTI’s planned long march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be cancelled without conditions, citing the security situation in the province.

The discussion comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PTI has announced a protest march towards Islamabad for October 4 after previously postponing the demonstration from September 27.

The party has maintained that the march is linked to its political demands, including the release of its founding chairman Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy. PTI leaders have also said they intend to proceed with the protest despite calls from government representatives and other political figures to reconsider the plan.

PTI leaders reiterated on Wednesday that the October 4 march would proceed as planned. Former National Assembly speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said there was no possibility of postponing the protest and called for political differences with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be resolved through constitutional means.

The latest exchange between Bilawal and Governor Kundi comes amid increasing focus on the security situation in the province. Kundi has previously urged the provincial government and political parties to concentrate on restoring peace and addressing terrorism. He has also called for a joint strategy involving political stakeholders to tackle the security challenges facing the province.

The federal government has also raised concerns over the situation in KP as tensions surrounding the proposed march continue. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” concerning the October 4 protest.

Bilawal’s call for the cancellation of the march comes as political parties continue consultations over the situation in KP, where security concerns and political disagreements have increasingly become intertwined.

The PPP chairman’s latest remarks underline the party’s position that addressing terrorism and maintaining peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should remain a priority amid the ongoing political tensions.