Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has strongly criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s response to rising terrorism, questioning its utilisation of nearly Rs700 billion provided for anti-terror operations in recent years.
Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad, Talal Chaudhry spoke in the backdrop of the ongoing counterterrorism operation in Karak, where security forces have so far killed seven terrorists and arrested more than six suspects. The operation, which began on Friday, is still underway.
“What has the KP government done to fight terrorism?” he asked. “Over Rs700 billion were given to the province specifically for this purpose. Where is the outcome? Why are our security personnel still sacrificing their lives?”
Chaudhry said the federal government is in talks with Afghanistan, but questioned the results of such efforts when terrorists continue to find safe havens across the border and carry out attacks within Pakistan.
He stressed that the National Action Plan (NAP), introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, provided a comprehensive road-map to eliminate terrorism, but “provincial governments must stand behind security forces and implement it in letter and spirit.”
Referring to recent attacks on law enforcement personnel, the minister made it clear that dialogue with terrorists is off the table:
“How can we talk to those who are killing our soldiers and innocent children? Those who pick up the gun against Pakistan will be met with bullets—not words.”
He also took a veiled jab at the Punjab Chief Minister, saying while some political leaders are busy holding rallies, “this is not the time for empty slogans or political showmanship, but for unity and resolve.”
“Let it be known clearly,” he added, “anyone who stands with terrorists will be considered a terrorist.”
The Minister praised the ongoing sacrifices of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, stating that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism is far from over, but the state’s writ will prevail, no matter the cost.
