Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the federal government’s decisions on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, criticized the previous provincial government over security and governance, and pledged to restore peace and development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday defended the federal government’s recent decisions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying worsening security conditions, renewed terrorism and the province’s longstanding governance challenges had made tough measures necessary.
Addressing a provincial Apex Committee meeting of the National Action Plan at Governor House in Peshawar, the prime minister said the province had suffered significant setbacks in law and order despite the sacrifices made by security forces and civilians to eliminate terrorism.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a beautiful province inhabited by courageous and brave people,” Sharif said, expressing hope that peace and development would return to the region.
He said the government had been compelled to impose emergency measures and governor’s rule in the province. Sharif added that he had consulted President Asif Ali Zardari twice over the deteriorating situation before taking difficult decisions.
PM Criticizes Previous KP Government Over Security
Sharif said Pakistan had achieved substantial progress against terrorism by 2018 through the sacrifices of security personnel, women, children and other civilians. He cited an estimated 80,000 deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses during the country’s war against terrorism.
The prime minister alleged that terrorists were brought back during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure, reversing earlier gains and exposing residents to renewed violence.
He also criticized the previous provincial administration for allegedly neglecting education, health care, public welfare and security. According to Sharif, 5,000 police vacancies were not filled, the Safe City project remained incomplete, and insufficient attention was given to police training and the Counter Terrorism Department.
He said thousands of security personnel had sacrificed their lives to protect future generations and described disregarding those sacrifices as contrary to the country’s interests.
Rs800 Billion Cited for Counterterrorism
Discussing financial support, Sharif said the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) award included an agreement to provide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with additional resources because of its frontline role in the fight against terrorism.
He said the province had received Rs800 billion for counterterrorism under the NFC arrangement since 2010. However, he expressed concern that terrorism had resurged despite the funding.
The prime minister also alleged corruption in provincial projects, citing claims of Rs100 billion in irregularities in a clean drinking water project and Rs37 billion in the Kohistan mega-scam. He further raised concerns about contracts awarded under the placer gold project. These allegations were not independently verified in the supplied statement.
Government Promises Peace and Development
Sharif said the federal government had worked over the previous two and a half years to stabilize the national economy, adding that political and military leadership had contributed to the recovery.
He said a political committee had held 48 hours of negotiations and that he had consulted the president twice regarding the province’s deteriorating conditions.
The prime minister also announced that an advisory council comprising experts from different fields had been established to help address the province’s challenges.
Acknowledging that residents had faced years of deprivation, Sharif promised that the federal government would work with the military leadership to improve security, expand access to basic facilities and restore economic opportunities.
He thanked allied political parties, President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for their support for the decisions concerning the province.
Sharif concluded by pledging to bring back peace, prosperity and development to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the government would work to turn the aspirations of its people into reality.
About The Author
