PM Shehbaz defends emergency, governor’s rule in KP amid rising terrorism

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday, citing a rise in terrorism and a deteriorating security situation. He blamed the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for undermining counterterrorism efforts, citing their failure to prioritize public safety and allowing terrorists to return. The emergency was imposed weeks ago, reportedly due to a disagreement between the federal government and KP over counterterrorism measures.

During a high-level meeting of the Apex Committee, Shehbaz highlighted shortcomings in the provincial police and counterterrorism infrastructure, including 5,000 vacant police posts and delays in completing Safe City projects. He also criticized the previous government for not receiving adequate resources to combat terrorism. The prime minister announced the formation of an advisory council to improve the situation in the province.

Shehbaz praised the cooperation between political and military leadership, attributing Pakistan's economic stability to the hard work of officials despite high international oil prices. He directed a transparent investigation into a school roof-collapse tragedy that killed dozens of children and instructed the governor to visit the site.

The governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, emphasized establishing peace and development as the province's top priorities, noting the residents' sacrifices in combating terrorism. He vowed to eliminate terrorists and their facilitators.