KP CM, federal ministers clash over terrorism

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday defended his government’s approach to counterterrorism as tensions between the provincial and federal governments intensified over the worsening security situation.

Speaking at a law and order meeting in Peshawar, Afridi criticised the federal government’s counterterrorism policy and called for a major change in the approach toward militancy in the province.

He said providing additional resources to the police alone would not resolve the security crisis unless there was also a change in policy. Afridi maintained that he had repeatedly warned about the consequences of the existing strategy.

The chief minister called for a new counterterrorism policy involving the provincial government, administration, police and other stakeholders. He claimed that peace could be restored in the province within 100 days if his proposed strategy was implemented.

Afridi also defended his government’s spending on security. He said Rs35 billion had been shifted from the development budget to the police, doubling its allocation. He added that efforts were under way to strengthen the Special Branch and provide modern weapons and equipment to security personnel.

The chief minister also rejected pressure over the possible imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in KP, saying he would not change his position because of such threats.

His remarks came as federal ministers stepped up criticism of the KP government. Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry accused the provincial administration of failing to provide adequate leadership, resources and facilities to security forces.

Chaudhry questioned the allocation of provincial funds for counterterrorism and said several security-related facilities and capabilities remained inadequate. He also criticised the proposed changes to the KP Police Act, arguing that they could affect the powers of the provincial inspector general.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also accused the PTI-led provincial government of failing to take sufficient responsibility for combating terrorism. He alleged that the provincial government had not done enough to address security threats and questioned its position on Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Kashmir Affairs and Frontier Regions Minister Amir Muqam criticised the KP government and PTI leadership during a press conference in Peshawar. He claimed that the legal conditions for imposing governor’s rule were present and warned that political developments could lead to further action.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar separately said governor’s rule or an emergency could be imposed if the constitutional conditions for such measures were met.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also discussed the province’s security and political situation with federal and provincial political figures. He urged the KP government to postpone its planned October 4 march and hold talks with political parties and other stakeholders on the security situation.

The federal government has also accused the Afghan Taliban administration of failing to take action against militant sanctuaries allegedly being used to launch attacks in Pakistan. Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to address the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan-linked militants on Afghan soil.