KP CM Defends Security Record Amidst Calls for All-Parties Conference
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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has rejected the federal government’s claims that his administration has failed to address security challenges in the province.
In a press conference on Sunday, Gandapur responded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent criticism regarding the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)’s performance, stressing that the law and order situation in KP has improved under his leadership.
Gandapur pointed out that the provincial government had empowered the CTD, which he claimed had conducted “thousands of successful operations” against terrorists. He added that the provincial government is taking further steps to strengthen the department, including disbursing an additional Rs1 billion to the CTD.
The CM also announced that special cells would be established for holding arrested suspects and that 20 new bulletproof vehicles would be purchased for the department. Furthermore, he revealed that the federal government had not paid Rs40 million in funds for the development of merged tribal districts.
In response to criticism about the CTD’s effectiveness, Gandapur highlighted that the department was “fully functional” and outlined several initiatives, including the distribution of 300 kits and drones for CTD personnel. He also highlighted that the quota for martyred officials’ families had been increased from 5% to 12%, along with awarding plots to the heirs of fallen officers.
The CM’s remarks came as tensions escalated over the law and order situation in K-P, with deadly tribal clashes continuing in Kurram district for over a week.
Despite a 10-day truce, violence has persisted, bringing the death toll to 130 and leaving 186 others injured. Gandapur described the ongoing tribal conflict as “confusing” and noted that the violence had disrupted the Peshawar-Parachinar road and halted traffic at the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border.
In another sign of growing political friction, Gandapur took aim at K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s decision to call an all-parties conference (APC) to discuss the province’s deteriorating security situation.
The CM rejected the idea, stating that it was not the governor’s role to summon an APC. He asserted that, as the elected leader of the province, it was his responsibility to lead discussions on law and order.
Governor Kundi had previously expressed concerns over the worsening security situation in K-P, citing increasing attacks on police, security forces, and civilians. He planned to convene the APC in December to gather suggestions from political leaders on addressing the province’s law and order issues.
However, Gandapur’s rejection of the governor’s move highlighted the ongoing tension between the provincial government and the federal authorities, as well as within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
In addition to defending his administration’s security record, Gandapur also criticised the federal government for creating “confusions” among the people of KP. He pointed out that the Centre had failed to disburse the promised funds for counterterrorism efforts and had not delivered any financial aid to the province for its ongoing security needs.
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Rebutting Criticism: Gandapur Stresses Provincial Security Efforts
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has slammed criticisms levied by the federal government over his administration’s handling of security concerns. Gandapur maintained that the province’s law and order situation has seen significant improvement under his leadership.
His response came in the wake of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s comments regarding the performance of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Gandapur stressed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the CTD, highlighting that the department had successfully conducted “thousands of operations” against terrorists.
Further bolstering the CTD’s capabilities, Gandapur announced the allocation of an additional Rs1 billion and plans to establish specialized cells for holding arrested suspects. The government will also be purchasing 20 new bulletproof vehicles for the department.
During his press conference, Gandapur pointed to alleged financial negligence by the federal government, claiming they had withheld Rs40 million allocated for the development of merged tribal districts.
He also dismissed concerns about the CTD’s effectiveness, stating the department was “fully functional.” Gandapur detailed various initiatives undertaken to support the CTD, including the distribution of 300 kits and drones for personnel. Additionally, he revealed an increase in the quota for martyred officials’ families from 5% to 12%, alongside the allocation of plots to the heirs of fallen officers.
Escalating Tensions: Tribal Clashes Reignite in Kurram
Gandapur’s statements regarding security improvements were delivered amidst escalating tensions in the province, fueled by deadly tribal clashes in Kurram district. Despite a ten-day truce agreement, violence has continued, tragically claiming the lives of 130 individuals and injuring 186 others.
Gandapur described the ongoing conflict as “confusing,” noting its impact on the region, including disrupting the Peshawar-Parachinar road and halting traffic at the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border.
Political Friction: Governor’s APC Proposal Rejected
Adding to the complex political landscape, a proposal by K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to convene an all-parties conference (APC) to address the province’s security situation has been met with resistance from Gandapur.
The Chief Minister rejected the idea, asserting that summoning such a conference fell outside the Governor’s purview. He firmly stated that, as the elected leader of the province, he was responsible for leading discussions on law and order matters.
Governor Kundi’s intention to convene the APC stemmed from his concerns regarding the worsening security situation, citing increasing attacks on police, security forces, and civilians. He planned to invite political leaders in December to brainstorm solutions for addressing the province’s security challenges.
Federal Critiques: Gandapur Accuses Center of “Creating Confusions”
Gandapur’s dismissal of the Governor’s proposal highlighted the ongoing tension between the province and federal authorities, as well as within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. In his defense of the provincial administration’s security record, Gandapur further criticized the federal government for creating “confusions” among the people of KP.
He accused the centre of failing to disburse promised funds for counterterrorism efforts and neglecting to provide any financial aid to the province to address its ongoing security needs.
How does the desire to assert provincial authority over security matters contribute to the friction between the provincial and federal government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
## KP Security: A Balancing Act Between Federal and Provincial Control
**Intro:**
Today we have with us Mr. [Guest Name], a political analyst specializing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa affairs, to discuss the recent escalation of tensions surrounding security issues in the province. Mr. [Guest Name], thank you for joining us.
**Interviewer:**
The K-P Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, has vehemently defended his administration’s handling of security, even ruffled feathers by rejecting calls for an all-parties conference on the issue. What’s fueling this friction between the provincial and federal government?
**Guest:**
The situation in K-P is complex, reflecting a long-standing tension between federal and provincial jurisdictions. Gandapur’s rejection of the governor’s call for an APC clearly highlights the desire to assert provincial authority over security matters, a stance likely stemming from PTI’s political positioning against the center. However, the federal government, under pressure from public outcry over recent incidents – particularly the prolonged, deadly clashes in Kurram district[[1](https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1131041-kp-police-face-security-challenges-in-southern-districts-igp)]- understandably wants a collaborative approach to address the escalating violence.
**Interviewer:**
Gandapur punctuated his defense with specifics about the government’s efforts to boost the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Is this enough to quell concerns about security lapses in the province?
**Guest:**
While the additional funding and resources announced for the CTD are welcome, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Addressing concerns about the department’s effectiveness necessitates more than just logistical support. The recent clashes highlight deeper issues, stemming from complex tribal rivalries and the broader security challenges present in the region [[1](https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1131041-kp-police-face-security-challenges-in-southern-districts-igp)]. A more comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy is needed, encompassing not just law enforcement but also addressing socio-economic disparities and fostering dialogue for conflict resolution.
**Interviewer:** What’s your take on the conflicting narratives from each side? Can these differences be bridged?
**Guest:**
It is important to remember that both sides have legitimate concerns. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure national security, while the provincial government is accountable to the people of K-P. Finding common ground requires open dialogue and a willingness to compromise.
Perhaps a modified APC, led jointly by both the governor and the chief minister, could be a starting point. This platform would not only allow for a broader discussion involving diverse stakeholders but also demonstrate a collective commitment to tackling these complex security issues effectively.
**Outro:**
Thank you, Mr. [Guest Name], for your valuable insights on this critical issue. Clearly, finding a lasting solution to the security challenges in K-P requires a delicate balance of power and a commitment to collaborative action from both the federal and provincial governments.
