Security official questions ‘support’ for terrorists in KP

PESHAWAR: A senior security official has questioned a move by Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa’s PTI government to seek dialogue with terrorists at a time when solidiers are laying down their lives in fight against resuging terrorists.

The official was speaking to Jang a day after the provincial assembly passed a resolution moved by a PTI member supporting negotiations with terrorist groups and opposing the military operation in the province.

On December 6, 2024, PTI MPAs Abdul Ghani Afridi from Khyber and Adnan Wazir from Bannu presented a resolution in the provincial assembly opposing the ongoing military operations against extremists in Bannu and Khyber.

The resolution stated, “Operations are not a solution to the problem, as many operations have been conducted in the past. A sustainable solution should be sought through dialogue.” KP Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information Saif told this correspondent that maintaining law and order is the prime responsibility of the provincial government.

“We are taking appropriate steps to protect our citizens. Members of the KP Assembly are representatives of the people and express their opinions based on local circumstances and the needs of their constituents,” he said. He added that the PTI’s policy is very clear: no operation will be conducted without the provincial government’s permission. “The PTI government will decide when and where such operations are required. The government will not allow anyone to conduct an operation in the province without prior consultation,” he stated.

The official recalled that 2022, PTI adopted a policy of negotiating with TTP groups, resettling them, legitimising their demands, and even supporting the idea of providing them offices. And now, once again, a resolution has been passed in opposition to military actions against these extremists in areas like the Tirah Valley and Jani Khel in Bannu. In recent months, many officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army have sacrificed their lives in Bannu, Jani Khel, and the Tirah Valley.

Security circles questioned that are the lives of these soldiers not valuable enough for PTI politicians, who are openly supporting these extremist groups?

“Let us not forget that from 2002 to 2007, similar resolutions were passed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly, which only fueled terrorism. It took numerous operations and sacrifices to restore peace”, the security official told Jang.

He said that due to the PTI government’s poor decisions, security personnel and the people of the province are now facing a new wave of terrorism. Doesn’t this move by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government clearly indicate that PTI is supporting these extremist groups?

How is it possible to negotiate with such terrorists who are openly waging war against your country, its people, and its security forces? The official said that sustainable peace was neither possible in the past nor would it ever be without the complete elimination of these extremists. Negotiations and resettling of terrorists only worsen the situation rather than resolving it. The people of KP understand this, and it would be better if the government realized it too.