DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to undertake a comprehensive review of the law and order situation across the province, reaffirming that no compromise would be made on public safety under any circumstances.
The meeting conducted a detailed assessment of the prevailing security environment, reviewed the effectiveness of ongoing measures, and deliberated on a forward-looking strategy to address emerging challenges.
The chief minister said protection of life and property remained the foremost priority of the provincial government. Paying tribute to the police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Special Branch, he said their sacrifices and professional commitment were a source of pride for the nation.
Referring to recent incidents of terrorism, Mr Afridi observed that they required more robust, coordinated and result-oriented responses.
He directed all concerned departments to proceed under a clearly defined and comprehensive strategy, assuring them of full government support and necessary resources. No operational or logistical constraints, he said, would be allowed to impede the performance of security institutions.
He added that security forces confronting terrorism on the frontlines would not be left unsupported and that their operational and professional requirements would be addressed on a priority basis.
Mr Afridi directed authorities to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for Khatm-e-Quran gatherings during Ramazan and instructed relevant departments to expedite filling vacant posts in the police department.
The meeting agreed that KP should formally be declared a “hard area”, and decided to take up the matter again with the federal government.
The Chief Minister also directed that a formal policy be developed for provision of artificial limbs to security personnel injured in acts of terrorism, stating that those risking their lives in defence of the country deserved sustained institutional support.
The meeting was informed that during the current financial year, Rs15.1 billion had been released to the police department for procurement.
Recruitment tests for more than 9,000 vacant posts had been completed and appointments were expected to be finalised before Eid.
Officials said the Safe City Project in Peshawar was ready for formal inauguration, while similar projects in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat were expected to be completed by March. PC-1 proposals for Safe City initiatives in Karak, Tank, and North Waziristan had been submitted to the home department, while plans for the merged districts would be incorporated into the upcoming Annual Development Programme. A draft Safe City Authority Act has also been submitted for further processing.
The forum agreed in principle to integrate databases of the excise department and Dastak, along with surveillance infrastructure of the Bus Rapid Transit system, local government institutions and the education department, with the Safe City project to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and real-time monitoring.
