KP Governor Declares Counterterrorism Top Priority as Naqvi Pledges Federal Support

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has declared the elimination of terrorism a top priority, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured the province of full federal support to restore peace, strengthen law enforcement agencies and improve security capabilities.

The commitments were made during a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee chaired by Kundi, where participants reviewed the law and order situation, counterterrorism measures, the operational capacity of security institutions and development priorities. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination between federal and provincial authorities as they seek to address security challenges across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Kundi said providing a secure environment for residents and managing the province’s affairs responsibly were fundamental government responsibilities. He emphasised that all institutions were aligned on the need to restore peace, noting that the people of the province wanted stability, development and prosperity. He also called on institutions to remain focused on their respective responsibilities.

“We can sacrifice development, but not security,” the governor said, underlining the priority given to public safety. He added that the capacity of law enforcement agencies would be enhanced and that the requirements of the provincial police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had been met. According to Kundi, lasting peace would also allow the province to make better use of its natural resources and development opportunities.

Interior Minister Naqvi said federal and provincial authorities were working together on counterterrorism, describing their alignment as an important development. He stressed that residents wanted relief from terrorism and the opportunity to live in peace, adding that the federal government would support efforts to equip the provincial police with modern weapons and strengthen other law enforcement institutions.

Naqvi acknowledged the sacrifices made by KP police personnel in the fight against terrorism. He maintained that the province could make progress against the threat if its government took the lead, while the federation fulfilled its responsibilities and provided the necessary assistance. He pledged continued federal cooperation in strengthening security institutions and restoring peace.

The interior minister also criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government, alleging that it had focused on road blockades and political unrest despite repeated requests from the federal government to participate in counterterrorism efforts. These remarks reflected Naqvi’s assessment of the previous administration’s approach.

He praised members of the public for remaining peaceful amid the prevailing situation and reiterated that strengthening law enforcement agencies was essential to addressing the security challenge.

The meeting highlighted the importance of coordination, police capacity and sustained counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The effectiveness of the commitments will depend on their implementation, including the provision of operational resources and cooperation among the relevant institutions.