PESHAWAR (The COW News Digital) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has ruled out negotiations with individuals who take up arms against the state, stressing that restoring peace and ensuring public security remain the province’s foremost priorities.
Speaking during a security briefing, Kundi said the provincial government and federal authorities were coordinating efforts to address the deteriorating security situation and strengthen law enforcement across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The governor stated that one of the largest Apex Committee meetings in Pakistan’s history had been held in Peshawar in the presence of the prime minister and senior officials. He said the provincial government had sought Rs160 billion in funding for security requirements, a demand supported by the federal government.
He added that follow-up meetings had been conducted in Islamabad to improve coordination on security and development-related matters.
Kundi reaffirmed his commitment to standing alongside the police and security forces in the fight against terrorism. He said police personnel could not be left to confront militants with only Kalashnikov rifles and limited ammunition.
According to the governor, decisions had been made to provide police with modern weapons and ammunition, improve salaries and strengthen compensation packages for personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
He also expressed concern over the absence of police lines in the merged tribal districts, saying the issue required urgent attention.
The governor acknowledged that a lack of political ownership of security operations had previously weakened efforts to combat terrorism. He said the province would now assume full political responsibility for security-related decisions.
Kundi emphasized that intelligence-based operations were necessary to restore peace and eliminate terrorist threats in the province.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security policy would be determined in Islamabad rather than being influenced by authorities in Jalalabad, Kandahar or Kabul.
The governor also called for stronger cooperation among provinces, adding that successful initiatives undertaken by Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan would be considered for implementation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Kundi alleged that Afghan territory was being used to facilitate India’s activities against Pakistan.
He criticized what he described as the past silence of Afghan authorities over statements suggesting the occupation of Peshawar and incidents involving the arrival of drones.
The governor maintained that Pakistan’s security interests must be protected and that cross-border developments required serious attention.
Reiterating his position on negotiations, Kundi said there would be no dialogue with individuals who reject the state, Constitution and law while resorting to armed violence.
He warned that armed elements would be confronted firmly and said the government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
The governor stressed that infrastructure projects, roads and bridges would have little value unless people’s lives were secure.
He further stated that restoring public confidence and strengthening relations between police and citizens could help achieve significant progress in the fight against terrorism.
Kundi also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in constructive and positive activities to prevent them from being drawn into violence.
Concluding his remarks, the governor said the province had no option of retreat or surrender in its campaign against terrorism, reaffirming his commitment to peace, security and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
