Peshawar:
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, strongly asserted that no decisions regarding the province should be made without consultation. In a video statement following a high-level emergency meeting on law and order, the CM said that Bajaur is part of their land and “unjust decisions cannot be forced upon us.”
The emergency session, held after the Bajaur incident, included top officials such as the Chief Secretary, IGP, Additional Chief Secretary, and other relevant stakeholders. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on the latest security situation in the region.
In his video message, CM Gandapur reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the decisions made during the recent All Parties Conference (APC) and stated that preparations are underway for their implementation at the government level.
He expressed deep sorrow over the Bajaur incident, where innocent civilians lost their lives. Gandapur warned that the ongoing military operations against terrorism are causing civilian casualties, which in turn are weakening public trust in the armed forces. “Without public trust, we cannot win the war against terrorism,” he stressed.
He also highlighted that the martyred security personnel in these operations are just as important as the civilians, and that flawed policies are failing to honor their sacrifices. Gandapur called for an urgent review of such policies.
The CM announced that local peace Jirgas would be held across the merged districts, culminating in a grand Jirga. These gatherings will include local elders, elected representatives, and all stakeholders to develop a consensus-driven plan of action and narrative for peace in the region.
He added that the recommendations from these Jirgas will be shared with the security establishment for consideration, and any current counterterrorism strategy must be rooted in public trust and collaboration.
The Chief Minister voiced concerns over the misuse of the “Actions in Aid of Civil Power” law and announced a provincial assembly session on August 1 to debate its effectiveness and impact.
Gandapur assured the public, “We are with our people and will go to any length for their protection. This is our land, and no decisions should be imposed on us without our input.”
He further instructed all Deputy Commissioners not to impose curfews or Section 144 without prior approval from the Home Department.
Earlier in the day, the CM expressed condolences for the civilians and security personnel martyred in the Bajaur incident. He announced financial compensation of Rs. 10 million for each martyr’s family and Rs. 2.5 million for the injured.
