In a pivotal development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has accepted the demands put forth by the Bannu Aman Jirga. These demands, discussed in a recent meeting, are set to be presented at an upcoming apex committee session. The agenda will include the formulation of terms of reference (ToRs) for a committee tasked with investigating the recent Bannu incident.
Expected to convene tomorrow, the apex committee session will gather key officials including the KP chief secretary, additional secretary home, Corps Commander Peshawar, KP Inspector General (IG), and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the jirga emphasized several points, including the dismantling of armed groups operating within the province. They also advocated for enhanced police powers, particularly in conducting night patrols, and proposed that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) be empowered to handle operations against terrorists instead of relying solely on security forces. Additionally, the jirga pressed for the presentation of missing persons before courts.
CM Gandapur addressed queries from the jirga members, clarifying that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, recently launched in response to increased terrorist activities, is not a military operation but a strategic initiative aimed at eradicating terrorism and extremism. This clarification came following concerns expressed by various political parties regarding the operation’s implementation without parliamentary oversight.
Gandapur assured the jirga that the KP police and CTD would lead search operations, with support from security forces as needed. He underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening local law enforcement in Bannu through increased recruitment and the allocation of additional vehicles.
Regarding the recent incident in Bannu during the Aman March, where one person was killed and 22 injured, Gandapur assured that Jumma Khan Road would soon reopen for public use. He stressed that the apex committee, an independent body focused on national security matters, would address the incident comprehensively. Plans for forming a commission to investigate the incident will also be deliberated in the upcoming session.
In a press conference, Adviser to KP CM on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif reiterated the importance of addressing the Bannu incident at the apex committee. He affirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism across the province, underscoring the need for concerted efforts in Bannu specifically.
The Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) provided further context on the incident, explaining that armed individuals within the peace march in Bannu initiated the violence. He outlined the standard operating procedure (SOP) followed by the army in such situations, emphasizing the warning process before engaging any threatening group.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on restoring peace and security in Bannu while ensuring transparency and accountability in all counterterrorism efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
