PM Shehbaz Sharif reviews affairs of AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Federal Minister Amir Muqam.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed that rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped at all costs, while stressing the government’s commitment to development and public welfare in the province and other regions.

The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad.

The meeting focused on matters concerning Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing.

“Rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped at all costs,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He said the government wanted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to achieve development on a par with other parts of the country. The prime minister also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, saying their contributions were valued.

During the meeting, Minister Amir Muqam briefed the prime minister on ongoing affairs and developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed that effective measures should continue to ensure the welfare and development of the people of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as the provision of basic facilities.

He said the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and the prosperity of their people remained among the government’s priorities.

The meeting comes as the government continues to review administrative, development and security-related matters concerning the three regions. The prime minister’s remarks particularly underscored the need to address terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while ensuring that the province’s people receive opportunities for development comparable with other parts of Pakistan.