Talal Chaudhry Confirms Uninterrupted NAP Operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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On August 7, 2025, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry declared that counter-terrorism operations under the National Action Plan (NAP) will continue without any pause in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He dismissed speculation that the government was preparing a new military offensive in the province, clarifying that existing measures are ongoing and robust.

Speaking in a session of the National Assembly, Chaudhry responded to concerns raised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Asad Qaiser and Pakistan Peoples Party Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri. He assured parliament that the state remains fully committed to the fight against terrorism and that NAP operations will not be halted. According to Chaudhry, there is no change in policy that would weaken the country’s security posture.

The minister pointed to the persistent threat posed by militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He argued that certain past policies worsened the militancy problem and questioned the performance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial leadership in countering terrorism. As an example, he noted that the Counter-Terrorism Department in the province still operates from rented facilities despite receiving significant financial resources. Chaudhry highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received more than Rs600 billion from the National Finance Commission Award but still lacks critical infrastructure such as a forensic laboratory or a comprehensive Safe City surveillance system.

Chaudhry stressed that the strengthening of provincial institutions is essential for lasting security. He cited the rise in terrorist attacks in the province following the TTP’s decision to end its ceasefire in November 2022 as evidence of the urgency for improved capabilities.

The National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, also addressed wider security measures. Chaudhry mentioned the establishment of the National Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre, designed to enhance the capacity of the National Counter Terrorism Authority. This step, approved by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, is aimed at improving intelligence sharing and operational coordination across federal and provincial agencies.

The minister urged provincial governments to fulfill their security responsibilities, warning that inaction could weaken national stability. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires coordinated political, administrative, and military efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reinforced this message, reiterating the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all forms