Gandapur defends KP security efforts, announces additional Rs1 billion for counterterrorism
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly defended his administration’s approach to addressing security challenges, announcing a significant Rs1 billion boost for the province’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
During a press conference on Sunday, Gandapur rejected recent criticism from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asserting that K-P’s law and order situation has improved under his leadership. He highlighted that the CTD, empowered by the provincial government, has conducted “thousands of successful operations” against terrorists and remains fully operational.
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The additional Rs1 billion allocation will be used to strengthen the department through measures such as purchasing 20 new bulletproof vehicles and establishing special cells for holding arrested suspects. Gandapur also announced that 300 kits and drones would be distributed to CTD personnel and emphasized increased support for the families of martyred officers, including raising the quota for their heirs from 5% to 12% and awarding plots to the families.
The CM also criticized the federal government, accusing it of failing to deliver Rs40 million in funds promised for the development of merged tribal districts. He said this lack of financial support has hindered K-P’s security initiatives and added to the confusion among the province’s residents.
Gandapur’s remarks come as tensions escalate over deadly tribal clashes in the Kurram district, which have persisted for over a week despite a 10-day truce. The violence has left 130 dead and 186 injured, disrupted the Peshawar-Parachinar road, and halted traffic at the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border. Describing the tribal conflict as “confusing,” Gandapur acknowledged its impact on the province’s stability.
In response to K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s decision to convene an all-parties conference (APC) to address the province’s deteriorating security situation, Gandapur dismissed the move, stating that it is the chief minister’s responsibility—not the governor’s—to lead discussions on law and order.
Kundi, citing a rise in attacks on police, security forces, and civilians, had proposed the APC to gather input from political leaders. However, Gandapur’s rejection of the governor’s plan highlighted growing political friction between the provincial and federal governments, as well as within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The CM also criticized the Centre for failing to provide financial aid for K-P’s security needs, accusing it of creating confusion among the people and neglecting the province’s counterterrorism efforts. Despite these challenges, Gandapur reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and stability of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
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