Social media claims that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s governor’s rule was imposed to gain control of the province’s mineral resources, rather than to combat terrorism, are contradicted by reports of multiple counterterrorism operations conducted since October 11.
The narrative circulating online claims that no counterterrorism operation has taken place since governor’s rule was imposed. However, reported security actions over the following days challenge that assertion.
On October 15, a joint operation by police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Swat resulted in the deaths of three terrorists. A day later, the alleged mastermind behind the Kohat Police Lines attack was killed during an operation in Lakki Marwat.
On October 20, another joint operation by police and the CTD in Swabi reportedly killed two terrorists, further contradicting claims that counterterrorism operations had stopped after the imposition of governor’s rule.
On October 21, security operations in North Waziristan and Kurram reportedly resulted in the deaths of five terrorists in each district, bringing further attention to the claims circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, no auction of mineral leases following the imposition of governor’s rule has been recorded, according to the information provided.
The reported operations challenge the claim that counterterrorism efforts ceased after October 11. The allegation that governor’s rule was imposed to secure the province’s mineral resources, rather than to address security concerns, must also be assessed against verifiable evidence and official records.
