The communiqué issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee in Peshawar signals a crucial step in the province’s counterterrorism posture that offers hope, marking a welcome attempt at policy alignment on issues that affect every citizen’s safety.
For the first time in recent years, provincial leadership, under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, has formally acknowledged that effective governance is central to eliminating terrorism. The declaration, particularly its statement that all stakeholders are now “on the same page,” reflects unity between civil authorities, political leadership, and security institutions.
This alignment is a positive and encouraging development. The nation must welcome KP’s commitment, assure the provincial leadership of collective support, and reinforce that united action is essential: terror has no place in KP, Balochistan, or anywhere in Pakistan.
While security forces have conducted sustained intelligence-based operations across conflict-exposed districts, gaps in governance have at times allowed militants to exploit uncertainty. The recent Pir Mela Bazaar attack in Tirah Valley illustrates this starkly.
Militants intercepted a family preparing to relocate, opened fire, physically assaulted the members, and robbed cash and mobile phones. The violence, targeting civilians at their most vulnerable moment, is both morally reprehensible and strategically desperate. Such acts underline why unified governance and operational coordination are essential.
But this incident should not overshadow the positive message from the Apex Committee. The KP government has taken a step forward, agreeing to a coherent approach in the fight against terror. Rather than dwelling on past disengagement, the focus now must be on encouraging this alignment, supporting execution, and ensuring civilians are protected.
The communiqué offers a path toward reinforcing administrative reach, policing depth, and development access alongside continued intelligence-driven operations. By strengthening these pillars, the province can prevent militants from exploiting any gaps and make future episodes like Pir Mela less likely.
In short, KP’s willingness to come onto the same page must be welcomed and nurtured. The fight against terrorism requires persistence, cooperation, and trust between civil authorities, security institutions, and the public. Together, Pakistan can stand united against those who seek to destabilize its districts and terrorize its people.
