KP Aman Jirga
\nANP\u2019s Iftikhar Hussain urges KP govt to focus on province\u2019s interests, avoid \u201cpolitical conflicts\u201d with Centre
\n PESHAWAR
\nKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said that decisions on anti-terror policy made \u201cbehind closed doors\u201d and \u201cimposed\u201d on the province have so far failed to produce the desired results.
\nSpeaking at Aman Jirga, the chief minister said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government repeatedly emphasised peace, but unfortunately, \u201csome people\u201d did not welcome it.
\n\u201cPeace can only be achieved with the complete eradication of terrorism, and policy on the matter is decided behind closed doors, which so far has not yielded the desired results,\u201d CM Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as chief executive last month, added.
\nIn his maiden speech in the provincial assembly after being elected as the CM, Afridi had criticised the federal government\u2019s policies and urged that local representatives, parliamentarians, people, and elders should be taken into confidence on anti-terror policy.
\n\u201cPeace can only be achieved with the complete eradication of terrorism, and policy on the matter is decided behind closed doors, which so far has not yielded the desired results,\u201d CM Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as chief executive last month, added.
\nIn his maiden speech in the provincial assembly after being elected as the CM, Afridi had criticised the federal government\u2019s policies and urged that local representatives, parliamentarians, people, and elders should be taken into confidence on anti-terror policy.
\n\u201cWe want a shift in this policy. It (policy making) should move out of closed rooms,\u201d the chief minister said while addressing the Aman Jirga.
\nCM Afridi said an inclusive approach should be adopted involving politicians, security forces, and other stakeholders in the formulation of counterterrorism strategies. CM Afridi said that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration.
\nThe chief minister called for a participatory policy, formulated with all stakeholders, saying, \u201cIf such a policy is implemented, it will be widely accepted, and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be completely eradicated.\u201d
\nHe was of the view that war should always remain the last option in counterterrorism efforts, reiterating that other strategies should be used to sustain peace in the province.
\n\u201cMilitary action should remain the last option,\u201d he asserted. Highlighting the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism by the people of Pakistan, the chief minister said every participant of the Jirga had made sacrifices for Pakistan in their respective capacities. \u201cPolitics may differ, but peace is our shared goal. When a bomb explodes, it does not see whether the victim belongs to PTI, PPP, or any other party. Everyone has sacrificed.\u201d
\nCM Afridi urged all stakeholders to contribute to a collaborative approach. \u201cWe want you to help us find a solution to terrorism,\u201d he said, assuring that the provincial government would fully support efforts to bring lasting peace. Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain urged the KP government to focus on the province\u2019s interests rather than \u201cpolitical conflicts\u201d with the federal government.
\n\u201cSerious talks should be held with the federation to release the NFC Award funds, and the police must be empowered,\u201d he said.
\nJamaat-e-Islami former chief Siraj-ul-Haq said the people of the province are bearing the brunt of political conflicts. \u201cOur province is currently neglected and not developing. The losses caused by inter-party disputes fall on the public, not the politicians,\u201d he said.
\nQaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Sherpao raised concerns about the law and order situation in the province, saying the government\u2019s authority is not visible in many districts.
\n\u201cOngoing operations have created fear, displacement, and loss among locals,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KP Aman Jirga ANP\u2019s Iftikhar Hussain urges KP govt to focus on province\u2019s interests, avoid \u201cpolitical conflicts\u201d with Centre PESHAWAR Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said that decisions on anti-terror policy made \u201cbehind closed doors\u201d and \u201cimposed\u201d on the province have so far failed to produce the desired results. Speaking at Aman […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":514165,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-514144","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n