Opposition Declines KP CM’s APC Invitation on Law and Order

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On July 24, 2025, major opposition parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) rejected an invitation from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to an All Parties Conference (APC) aimed at addressing the province’s deteriorating security situation. The APC was scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar to develop a unified strategy against increasing terrorist attacks, particularly in KP’s merged districts. Gandapur criticized the opposition parties for their absence, stating that those who skipped the conference showed disregard for the public’s safety. However, parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dismissed the APC as a “showpiece” lacking substance.

The opposition’s rejection highlighted deep-rooted mistrust with the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite some recent cooperation on Senate seat distributions. PPP’s KP President Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha described the APC as ineffective, citing previous unsuccessful law and order talks, and called on PTI to focus on governance rather than protests. ANP’s Mian Iftikhar Hussain expressed willingness to participate only in PTI-organized forums, emphasizing public interest. Meanwhile, KP has witnessed over 50 terrorist attacks since the 2024 elections, with groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) exploiting the region’s instability. Gandapur defended his government’s efforts, citing substantial investments in strengthening KP Police and empowering tribal jirgas to win public support.

The political deadlock poses a risk to KP’s security strategy. While the opposition’s skepticism stems from past experiences, their refusal to engage weakens the collaborative approach needed to counter terrorism effectively. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) confirmed their attendance, with JI’s Abdul Wasay pledging support for peace initiatives. For KP’s safety to improve, Gandapur’s call for unity requires sincere dialogue that transcends partisan politics and prioritizes the welfare of the province’s citizens.