ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s newly empowered Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has pledged a renewed, results-oriented campaign against terrorism, declaring that his administration would prioritise public security over development spending following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province.
Important Meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee
An important meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee was held at Governor House, Peshawar, under the chairmanship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
The meeting was attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, members of the Advisory Council, the Corps Commander Peshawar, the Chief Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, and other senior civil and military officials.
At the outset, the meeting paid tribute to the brave martyrs who laid down their lives for the restoration of peace and the fight against terrorism. Fateha was also offered for the departed souls.
The meeting decided that special attention would be given to the longstanding issues faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including education, healthcare, and the quality of life in urban areas. These issues are directly linked to public security and sustainable peace, although this aspect has remained neglected in the past.
The overall security situation in the province was reviewed in detail, along with measures to completely eliminate terrorism and establish lasting peace.
The forum directed all relevant institutions to ensure coordinated, effective, and decisive measures to eradicate the menace of terrorism and achieve sustainable peace.
It was made clear that intelligence-based operations against terrorists would continue, and all available resources would be utilized to improve the law and order situation.
Emphasizing the need to strengthen the operational capacity of the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the forum decided to provide these institutions with all necessary resources, including modern equipment, essential vehicles, armoured vehicles, effective weaponry, and adequate personnel.
The forum reaffirmed that eliminating terrorism and maintaining law and order in the province are shared objectives and top priorities of all state institutions, and that no compromise would be made on these commitments.
The meeting also agreed that special attention would be given to improving the quality of life of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promoting socioeconomic development, and providing basic facilities in underdeveloped and conflict-affected areas.
The forum expressed its resolve that all relevant institutions would continue working through mutual cooperation and a coordinated strategy to achieve the shared objectives of peace, stability, and development in the province.
It was further agreed that steps would be taken to resolve the problems faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensure the provision of basic facilities, and deliver public services directly to their doorsteps. Public recommendations, needs, and local priorities would be incorporated into policymaking and practical measures.
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) October 12, 2026
Kundi made the remarks on Monday while co-chairing a meeting of the provincial apex committee with federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, a day after the federal government imposed emergency measures and assumed control of the provincial administration under governor’s rule.
“We can sacrifice our development, but never security,” Kundi said, highlighting what he described as a lack of coordination in counterterrorism efforts and promising stronger support for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police.
Security to take priority over development
Kundi said the administration would work around the clock to improve the security situation, stressing that the government would focus on practical results rather than cosmetic measures.
“There is no time for holidays or weekends,” he said, adding that the federal government and the people had placed their trust in the new administration.
The governor highlighted the security challenges facing residents of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Waziristan, saying people in these terrorism-affected areas were struggling to enjoy basic freedoms, including the ability to travel and carry out daily activities without fear.
He called for concerted efforts to restore freedom of movement and create conditions for peace, prosperity and development across the province.
Kundi also pledged to convene apex committee meetings regularly, expressing hope that the new administration would be remembered for restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Read Also: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Vows to Restore Peace, Security in Province
Naqvi calls for joint federal-provincial action
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the federal and provincial administrations were now aligned in their approach to counterterrorism, describing the development as a significant change after years of disagreements.
“For the first time, I can proudly say that the federal and the provincial governments are on the same page,” he said.
Naqvi argued that the fight against terrorism had suffered from insufficient provincial leadership and alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government had failed to take the lead despite repeated requests from the Centre.
He said counterterrorism operations could not succeed through resources alone without effective government leadership and coordination.
The minister cautioned that the security situation would not change overnight and acknowledged that difficult times lay ahead. He called for coordinated action involving the governor, police, provincial administration and federal government to confront militant threats.
Naqvi added that the same security personnel were already on the ground, but improved coordination and leadership would be essential to achieving results.
Read Also: Federal Government Blasts Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Govt for Neglecting Counter Terrorism
Emergency measures and political tensions
The apex committee meeting followed the federal cabinet’s deliberations on the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The cabinet had accused the provincial government of disengaging from the fight against terrorism.
The federal government subsequently imposed an emergency under Article 232 of Pakistan’s Constitution and governor’s rule under Article 234. It also authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army troops and assets in aid of civil power in the province.
The Provincial Apex Committee has directed all relevant departments to take effective, decisive and coordinated actions to root out terrorism and establish durable peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
@MohsinnaqviC42 @MOIofficialGoP @fkkundi #News #RadioPakistan
https://t.co/QDd2tYg346 https://t.co/sN0aNHdOyV— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 12, 2026
In Peshawar, shipping containers were placed at several locations to block roads, while police deployment was increased.
The measures have deepened tensions between the federal government and the PTI, which has objected to what it describes as its exclusion from security-related decisions concerning the province. The Centre has rejected that allegation.
The two sides have also clashed over counterterrorism policy, proposed military operations and engagement with the Afghan Taliban. Disagreements over these issues were among the factors behind the breakdown of government-opposition talks on October 3.
Read Also: Pakistan Imposes Emergency and Governor’s Rule in KP Under Articles 232 and 234
A day before Monday’s apex committee meeting, Kundi chaired the first meeting of a federal government-formed KP Advisory Council, where he called for faster administrative action, zero tolerance for corruption and a clear improvement over the previous administration’s performance.
The new administration now faces the challenge of translating its security pledges into measurable improvements while addressing the concerns of residents in areas affected by militancy.
