KP Apex Committee Rejects Military Ops, Prioritizes Public Trust

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Apex Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, ruled out military operations, emphasizing public trust as key to counterterrorism success.

Peshawar, Pakistan – On July 30, 2025, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Apex Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, firmly rejected large-scale military operations in favor of targeted, community-focused counterterrorism strategies, as reported by ARY News. The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, underscored the importance of winning public confidence to effectively combat terrorism, particularly in the province’s newly merged tribal districts. Attendees included Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Omer Ahmad Bukhari, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed, and Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, alongside elected representatives from Bajaur, Khyber, and North Waziristan.

Gandapur emphasized that terrorism hinders development, asserting that provincial resources remain under KP’s control and belong to its people. He urged citizens to resist those spreading divisive narratives, labeling them as threats to the province’s stability, according to a video statement posted on X by @khorasandiary. The committee agreed to strengthen the KP Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) with advanced equipment to conduct localized operations, minimizing disruption to civilian life. Gandapur highlighted the need for unity among the public, government, and security forces to counter foreign-backed efforts to destabilize Pakistan, as noted in a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

The decision follows concerns over past military operations, with Gandapur aligning with local sentiments expressed during the Bannu Aman Jirga, which opposed initiatives like Azm-e-Istehkam, a federal counterterrorism strategy clarified as non-military by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), per Geo News. The committee also prioritized socio-economic development in tribal areas, ensuring essential supplies and establishing local committees to address security challenges collaboratively. These measures aim to restore peace while fostering economic progress.

By focusing on targeted policing and community engagement, the KP government seeks to address terrorism without alienating residents. Further details are available at www.kp.gov.pk, reflecting a commitment to transparent governance and public security.