PM Shehbaz chairs first KP security meeting under governor's rule

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Peshawar for a day-long visit, his first to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since governor's rule was imposed. He chaired a provincial apex committee meeting at Governor House on Thursday to review the security situation and counterterrorism measures, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The federal government imposed emergency and governor's rule on October 11 under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the measures following a federal cabinet recommendation citing a deteriorating security situation and inadequate cooperation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government. The move suspended Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, his cabinet, and advisers. Intense negotiations between the two sides a week prior had failed, with counterterrorism policy being a main reason for the breakdown. The centre's move also followed PTI mobilisation drives and protest marches demanding the release of jailed founder Imran Khan.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated the federal government made repeated attempts to obtain provincial cooperation before resorting to constitutional measures. The prime minister stated the government had no alternative after negotiations failed. An 11-member advisory council was announced to assist the governor, and a separate Area Development Secretariat was established for 12 districts affected by terrorism. The federal government also authorised the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution.

The 12 districts under the new Area Development Secretariat are:

First Apex Committee meeting under new administration

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the apex committee meeting at Governor House to review the province's overall security situation and ongoing counterterrorism operations. The meeting was attended by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, federal and provincial ministers, relevant officials, and senior military leadership including Field Marshal Asim Munir. This was the first such meeting since the imposition of governor's rule; an initial provincial apex committee meeting was held on October 12, co-chaired by Governor Kundi and Interior Minister Naqvi.

Participants discussed a coordinated strategy to eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace. The forum called for coordinated action by relevant institutions to restore peace and improve law and order. At the October 12 meeting, participants agreed to strengthen the police and counter-terrorism department through additional equipment, vehicles, weapons, and manpower. Governor Kundi, who assumed executive powers assisted by the advisory council, assured Naqvi he would enforce all federal government policies and work with security forces for the province's peace and prosperity. Kundi asserted that tackling terrorism would be the priority under the new set-up. He also stressed the need for greater coordination between the centre and the province.

Federal government outlines security and development agenda

Officials briefed the prime minister on the situation following the imposition of governor's rule and the declaration of an emergency. The prime minister is scheduled to hold meetings at the Governor's House and receive briefings on law and order and other key provincial matters. Development initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were expected to come under discussion, with the prime minister expected to discuss key development projects planned for the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to announce a special package for the families of those who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was expected to join the visit. The decisions for governor's rule were endorsed by Parliament last week amid opposition protests. The PTI said it was being left out of security decisions concerning KP, a claim the centre denied, and called for reviewing the counterterrorism policy. Federal ministers alleged that the PTI-led government in KP had a 'nexus' with terrorist groups, stating the province's security situation necessitated the imposition of emergency there.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, addressing a press conference, called for greater coordination. He stressed that policies on counterterrorism will 'come from Islamabad [...] not Kabul', in an apparent jibe at the former PTI-led KP government. The prime minister's day-long visit culminates with scheduled meetings at Governor's House to receive briefings on the province's law and order situation.