PM Shehbaz vows to curb rising terrorism in K-P

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the rising threat of terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa must be brought under control at all costs, stressing that the province’s development remains a priority for the federal government.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed matters concerning K-P, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

PM Shehbaz said the people of K-P had made major sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He said the federal government wanted the province to progress alongside other parts of the country.

He directed authorities to continue taking effective measures for the welfare and development of the people of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. He also stressed the need to improve basic facilities in the two regions.

The prime minister said the development of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan and the prosperity of their people were among the government’s key priorities.

The remarks came amid a fresh rise in militant violence across K-P. Several attacks in recent weeks have targeted security personnel, government officials and civilians.

On Wednesday, police foiled an attempted attack on the Shadipur police post in Kohat. Four police personnel were injured during an exchange of fire as security forces launched a search operation for the attackers.

Earlier, three traffic police officials were killed and another was seriously injured when armed attackers opened fire on a police vehicle in Tank district.

A deadly blast also struck a joint security checkpoint in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan on September 26. At least 12 people were killed and 35 others wounded in the attack, which was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Another major attack occurred on September 18 when a blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines killed at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel and six civilians.

The latest incidents have intensified concerns over the security situation in the province, with the federal government facing calls for stronger measures to contain militant activity.