APC Urges Immediate Action to Tackle Growing Security Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The All Parties Conference (APC), convened by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, has raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the province.

The forum criticized both the federal and provincial governments for their inability to maintain law and order, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

Governor Kundi, addressing the press after the APC, expressed frustration over the provincial government’s inaction, stating that critical security issues had not been discussed in the provincial assembly or cabinet.

“This conference was necessary because people are questioning our silence,” Kundi remarked.

“The provincial government has failed to address security matters, and thus, we’ve come together to make a statement in the interest of peace and the province’s resources.”

The governor also pointed out that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a senior PTI leader, should have led the APC.

However, he noted that the provincial PTI declined the invitation, citing concerns that they could not face the political leadership and public scrutiny.

“They may not want to work for peace,” Kundi said, emphasizing the need for unity on security and resource issues.

Kundi also called for an audit of the PTI government’s performance since taking power, stressing that political differences should be set aside for the betterment of the province.

He highlighted the severe impact of violence, which has gripped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and called for collective action to restore peace.

The spokesperson of K-P, Barrister Saif, criticized the APC, accusing it of being a political move to score points against PTI and undermine the party’s narrative.

The APC issued a statement highlighting the tragic loss of more than 70 security personnel in the previous month and the death of over 200 people in sectarian violence in Kurram.

The forum condemned the government’s failure to address the escalating instability in the region and demanded immediate action.

In addition to security concerns, the APC made several political demands.

These included the immediate release of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, given that the 7th NFC Award has been ineffective for over two years.

The forum also expressed dissatisfaction with the non-payment of funds for the former FATA region and urged the federal government to release the three percent share owed to the area.

The conference called for the implementation of a fair distribution of resources, with a particular focus on the mineral rights of the province.

It demanded transparency regarding mining leases and the reopening of historical trade routes along the Pak-Afghan border to stimulate economic activity.

Other demands included ensuring K-P’s gas supply as per Article 158 of the Constitution, the payment of federal excise duties on oil as per Article 161, and the dignified return of internally displaced persons from tribal areas, as per government commitments.

The APC also called for an audit of the provincial government’s performance and proposed administrative reforms to enhance efficiency.

The forum voiced support for the federal government to convene regular meetings of the Council of Common Interests and to form the Provincial Financial Commission (PFC) to address K-P’s financial challenges.

Key political figures, including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Aftab Sherpao, and Mian Iftikhar Hussain, participated in the conference.

Sherpao criticized the federal government for neglecting key infrastructure projects like the Left Canal, while Iftikhar Hussain highlighted the profit-driven nature of terrorism and called for a change in policy.

Professor Ibrahim of Jamaat-e-Islami stressed the importance of unity to restore peace in Kurram and urged revisions to counter-terrorism laws.

Maulana Lutfur Rehman from JUI-F emphasized the need for a more serious approach to terrorism, while former governor Shaukatullah pointed out the lack of development in the merged tribal districts and stressed the importance of restoring peace before pursuing further progress.

The APC concluded with a call for urgent, unified action to address Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security and political challenges, with an emphasis on peace, resource management, and transparency.