CM Afridi wants KP input included in counterterror policy

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited the wounded following a deadly bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, calling for better collaboration between provincial and federal governments on security matters. The chief minister highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the province and emphasized that people, police personnel, and soldiers were suffering the consequences of violence.

Afridi's government had previously provided Rs35 billion to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police for maintaining peace and security, but troops are still waiting for modern weapons, equipment, and armored personnel carriers. Afridi urged the federal government to deliver the requested equipment without delay and demanded inclusion of the province in decision-making.

He stressed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be consulted before making decisions about peace and security, stating that they cannot be established without the confidence of the local population. The chief minister condemned anyone taking up arms against Pakistan as a terrorist and expressed concern over the security challenges faced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He promised a martyr package to the families of those killed in acts of terrorism.