KP governor says no talks with those who take up arms against state
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said there will be no negotiations with those who take up arms against the state. He also outlined security funding and plans for intelligence-based operations.
- Governor Kundi: no talks with those who reject the constitution and take up arms
- The KP government sought 160 billion rupees for security, which the federal government endorsed
- Secretary Interior said 70 billion rupees will go to police and CTD this year
- Faceless courts to be set up in KP for terrorism trials
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said no talks will be held with those who do not accept the state, the constitution and the law and who take up arms. He was briefing the media on the province's security situation, according to Express News.
Daily Jang quoted Kundi as saying: "Those who wage war against the state will be fought." The paper reported him saying there is no option other than winning this war. Express News quoted him as saying defeat is not in the dictionary of his side.
The governor said a zero tolerance policy against terrorists is in force. Intelligence-based operations, which he described as necessary to restore peace and end terrorism, will be carried out. Those who take up arms against the state will be dealt with according to law, and abettors of terrorists will be arrested through more such operations.
On funding, Express News reported that a large Apex Committee meeting was held in Peshawar with the Prime Minister and senior officials present. The provincial government demanded 160 billion rupees for security needs, and the federal government endorsed the demand. Follow-up meetings on security and development were held in Islamabad.
Daily Jang reported that the Secretary Interior said 70 billion rupees will be given to police and the Counter Terrorism Department this year. Faceless courts will be set up in the province for trials of terrorists.
Kundi said police will be given new weapons and ammunition, and martyrs' packages and salaries will be improved. He expressed concern that no police line has yet been built in the merged districts.
The governor also said Afghan soil is being used to facilitate India against Pakistan. Express News reported he called past silence over remarks by Afghan officials about taking Peshawar, and over the arrival of drones, regrettable. He said engaging young people in positive activities is a priority and that the government is considering how to involve the province's large youth population.
Why it matters
Security policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shapes daily life for residents and travellers in the province. The funding announced for police and the Counter Terrorism Department, 70 billion rupees this year according to the Secretary Interior, bears on policing in the districts. Planned faceless courts and more intelligence-based operations would change how terrorism cases are handled there.
