PESHAWAR, July 30 — Amid rising concerns over security in Bajaur and other merged tribal districts, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has pledged decisive action to restore peace and stability across the region.
Chairing a key meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee in Peshawar on Wednesday, the Chief Minister emphasized that peace is essential for development, integration and public trust. The high-level meeting brought together top civil and military leadership, including Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Omer Ahmad Bukhari, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and elected representatives from Bajaur, Khyber, and North Waziristan.
The committee assessed the law and order situation and reviewed the increasing threat posed by militant elements in the region.
Chief Minister Gandapur said terrorism in KP, especially in the merged areas, is part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan. He warned that militants often use civilian populations as cover, and urged local communities not to provide shelter to such elements.
Targeted Operations and Local Consultations
Rejecting rumors of a large-scale military operation, the CM assured that any action taken would be targeted, intelligence-based, and designed to avoid civilian displacement. He announced that starting August 2, the provincial government will initiate a series of divisional-level Jirgas to engage tribal elders, political leaders, and key stakeholders.
“These Jirgas will help formulate a unified strategy for peace in the tribal districts, with direct input from those most affected by terrorism,” Gandapur said. He added that a grand Jirga will follow, aimed at creating a comprehensive provincial policy to address law and order issues in the merged districts.
Call for Unity and Public Support
The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stand with the government and security forces in defeating terrorism.
“This fight cannot be won without public support,” he said. “Anyone facilitating terrorists — out of fear, greed, or ignorance — must be exposed and dealt with according to law.”
Gandapur also addressed misinformation circulating on social media, especially claims about provincial mineral resources being handed over to external parties. He dismissed such rumors as deliberate attempts to spread distrust, reaffirming that all provincial resources remain under the control of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A Clear Message to Militants
“We are committed to ensuring peace in the merged districts,” the CM added. “Together with our people, we will root out terrorism. This is not just a government mission — it’s a collective national duty.”