Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be brought to an end at any cost, while expressing the government’s desire to see the province develop on a par with other parts of the country.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting also covered matters concerning Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“It is our desire that KP should also develop like other parts of the country,” PM Shehbaz said, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by the people of the province in the fight against terrorism.
“We regard with appreciation the sacrifices of the people of KP against terrorism,” he added.
During the meeting, Amir Muqam briefed the prime minister on ongoing affairs and development progress in AJK and GB.
PM Shehbaz directed the continuation of effective measures to improve public welfare, development and access to basic facilities in both regions.
He said the development of AJK and GB and the prosperity of their people remained among the government’s key priorities.
The meeting came a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed concern over what he described as the “unfortunate events” witnessed in AJK in recent months, while maintaining that the law had taken its course.
The federal government and the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Action Committee (JAAC) have remained at odds over several issues. One of the major points of contention has been the committee’s demand for the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, a dispute that contributed to violent protests across the region.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face persistent militant attacks and security challenges. According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the province, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August, compared with 36 in July an increase of 50 per cent.
Security forces have continued intelligence-based operations against militants in the province.
On Tuesday, security forces killed five terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan.
Earlier, on October 2, seven terrorists were killed in another intelligence-based operation in North Waziristan, according to security officials.
