CM Afridi hands over bulletproof vehicles, modern weapons to police in a ceremony at Police lines Peshawar
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Friday said that the provincial government was taking practical steps to eliminate terrorism, saying the police force was being strengthened on an emergency basis to effectively counter militant threats.
Addressing a ceremony at Police Lines Peshawar, where bulletproof vehicles, modern weapons and security equipment were handed over to the police, the chief minister said that since assuming office, the government had allocated Rs7.7 billion to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), while a package of Rs7.2bn had been approved for the Special Branch.
He said Rs6.5bn had been released to improve security infrastructure and police capacity in the merged districts, adding that the Safe Cities project was being expanded from Peshawar to divisional headquarters and merged districts. An additional Rs3.8bn grant has also been approved for the project.
Mr Afridi said the CTD and Special Branch were being further strengthened through additional recruitment and infrastructure development, adding that the provincial government was reinforcing the police in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan.
He noted that for more than two decades, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had remained on the frontlines of the fight against terrorism and had rendered immense sacrifices. He regretted that “a particular mindset at the helm of affairs” had failed to acknowledge these sacrifices, and said the provincial government stood firmly with the police and was meeting their requirements on a priority basis.
Expressing confidence that the province would soon overcome the menace of terrorism, the chief minister said decisions taken behind closed doors and imposed on the province had caused serious damage.
He emphasised that the police had been kept free from political interference in accordance with Imran Khan’s vision, but regretted that pressure was being exerted on the force in connection with the May 9 cases.
He urged political actors to refrain from such practices and allow the police to remain professional and non-political.
Speaking to media persons later, Mr Afridi said a jirga held in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had unanimously agreed that military operations were not a sustainable solution to militancy.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive, long-term counterterrorism policy formulated in consultation with political and religious parties as well as tribal elders.
Responding to a question, he termed February 8 a day of “disrespect for the public mandate”, alleging that a party with 17 seats had been installed in government, and said questioning this remained their right.
He also condemned recent attacks in Balochistan, expressed solidarity with the affected families, and said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police were fully prepared to deal with any untoward situation.
Earlier, the chief minister paid homage at Yadgar-i-Shuhada at Police Lines Peshawar, laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha for the departed souls. During the ceremony, he formally handed over bulletproof vehicles, submachine guns, bulletproof jackets and helmets, sniper rifles, and heavy bikes for the traffic police.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and other senior police officers were also present on the occasion.
