KP accused of neglecting counter-terrorism efforts despite substantial funding

Key Takeaways

State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of neglecting counter-terrorism responsibilities.
KP government failed to equip security forces with basic requirements despite receiving Rs 800 billion.
Kayani warned that political confrontation could weaken the country’s response to terrorism.

State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government of neglecting counter-terrorism responsibilities, despite receiving around Rs 800 billion in funds.

Speaking at a press conference, Kayani highlighted the KP government's failure to equip its security forces with essential equipment, including bulletproof jackets, vehicles, and check posts.

He emphasized that the provincial administration was not taking ownership of the fight against terrorism and was instead preparing to launch an assault on Islamabad, the capital city.

Kayani stressed that the deteriorating security situation could not be ignored and called for all institutions and governments to perform their constitutional and legal responsibilities to defeat terrorism.

He accused KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of derailing efforts to hold talks between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing political confrontation as a further impediment to addressing security challenges.

The minister warned that attacks on state institutions and military installations would not be tolerated, reiterating the government's commitment to protect the lives and property of citizens.

Kayani expressed confidence that Pakistan would ultimately win the war against terrorism, stating that the state would continue its fight until the threat was eliminated.

He pointed to a constitutional provision that could be used if the KP government failed to cooperate in the war against terrorism, signaling that the Centre could consider constitutional options if necessary.

Kayani reiterated that attacks on state institutions and military installations could not be justified under any circumstances, emphasizing the need to uphold the writ of the state across the country.