Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced Rs160 billion in federal funding for the Badalta, Nikharta, Mazboot KP programme, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to development, improved public services and lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chairing a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee in Peshawar and separately interacting with members of the Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC), the prime minister called for a final and decisive effort to eliminate terrorism, declaring that failure was not an option.
The meetings focused on the security situation in the province following the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule, governance reforms, institutional accountability, the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies and accelerated development, particularly in the merged districts and other areas affected by terrorism.
Federal Apex Committee Reviews Security and Governance
The Federal Apex Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Participants were briefed on provincial affairs, with particular emphasis on improving transparency, strengthening institutional accountability, reforming governance and delivering better public services.
The committee stressed the need for urgent, results-oriented measures to address longstanding governance challenges and improve the lives of residents across the province.
It placed particular emphasis on the merged districts and other underserved, terrorism-affected areas, where security challenges and development needs have placed additional pressure on public institutions.
The forum reaffirmed the state’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and dismantle terrorist networks, their facilitators and their support infrastructure. It stressed that counterterrorism was a collective national responsibility requiring sustained coordination among state institutions, effective intelligence-sharing and robust operational measures.
The committee also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the people, martyrs and personnel of the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), stressing that the gains achieved through these sacrifices must be consolidated.
Police and CTD Capacity to be Strengthened
A significant part of the discussions focused on strengthening the operational capabilities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other law enforcement agencies.
The committee discussed the need for improved professional training, modern equipment, stronger infrastructure, enhanced intelligence capabilities and seamless coordination among relevant agencies.
It emphasized that a capable and professional law enforcement system was essential to maintaining law and order, protecting citizens and ensuring the effective writ of the state throughout the province.
The forum also stressed that security gains must translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of residents. It called for coordinated efforts to create conditions conducive to education, healthcare, employment, investment and infrastructure development across KP, with particular attention to areas that have remained underserved.
PM Pledges Federal Support for KP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the federal government would extend all possible assistance to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said restoring lasting peace, protecting the lives and property of citizens, strengthening governance and accelerating socioeconomic development remained national priorities.
Announcing Rs160 billion for the Badalta, Nikharta, Mazboot KP programme, the prime minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to improving public welfare, expanding economic opportunities and addressing the legitimate concerns of the province’s residents.
He emphasized that the sacrifices made by the people of KP in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain, adding that the government would continue to support initiatives aimed at building a more secure and prosperous province.
The committee underscored the importance of national ownership, community engagement and coordinated action by all relevant institutions to sustain peace and promote development. It stressed that the benefits of counterterrorism efforts must be reflected in better public services, stronger local economies and improved opportunities for communities across the province.
ARDC Members Stress Link Between Peace and Development
During his separate interaction with members of the Area Representative and Development Council, the prime minister reiterated that lasting peace in the merged districts was a shared national responsibility.
He said the nation remained indebted to and proud of the contributions and sacrifices made by the people of the areas represented by the council, particularly those who had endured the consequences of terrorism.
The prime minister stressed that the time had come for a final and decisive effort to eliminate the menace of terrorism once and for all.
“Failure is not an option,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity and collective resolve to defeat violence and secure a peaceful future for the province.
ARDC members emphasized that sustainable peace and security were indispensable prerequisites for development, economic progress and an improved quality of life. They reaffirmed their determination to defeat terrorism, eliminate its roots and establish enduring peace, while expressing continued support for the Security Forces and LEAs.
The council members also underscored the need to translate the gains achieved through counterterrorism operations into tangible development, better public services and economic opportunities for local communities.
The prime minister said the strength of the nation lay in its unity and collective rejection of violence, extremism and attempts to undermine peace and stability. He maintained that intimidation and violence would not weaken the resolve of the state and people to secure a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The forum paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the Shuhada in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the state’s commitment to lasting peace, effective governance and sustainable development across the province.
Senior Civil and Military Leadership Attends
The meetings were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar; Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi; Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi; and other senior federal ministers and officials.
Those present also included Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari and Ahsan Iqbal; Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah Khan; members of the Advisory Council and ARDC; the Commander Peshawar Corps; and other senior civil and military officials.
The forum reiterated that national unity, sustained counterterrorism efforts, stronger governance and coordinated development would remain central to securing a stable and prosperous future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.
