No Room for Failure: PM Sharif Pledges Rs160bn for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Peace and Development

Prime Minister Sharif says lasting peace is a national responsibility and pledges federal support for public services, economic opportunities and development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

October 22, 2026 at 10:14 PM
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Key Points

  • Federal apex committee reviews security and governance following emergency imposition.
  • Government vows to dismantle terrorist networks, facilitators and support infrastructure.
  • Police and CTD to receive stronger operational support and professional training.
  • Merged districts and terrorism-affected areas receive particular development emphasis.
  • Federal government pledges support for healthcare, education, jobs and infrastructure.
  • ARDC members reaffirm support for security forces and law enforcement agencies.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced Rs160 billion in federal funding for the ‘Badalta, Nikharta, Mazboot Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ programme, pledging a decisive push against terrorism and renewed efforts to improve governance and accelerate development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Chairing a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee in Peshawar and separately interacting with members of the Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC), the prime minister said lasting peace in the province, particularly in the merged districts, remained a shared national responsibility.

“The whole nation is indebted to and proud of the contributions and sacrifices of the people of your areas.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

“The whole nation is indebted to and proud of the contributions and sacrifices of the people of your areas,” the prime minister said, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Now is the time for a final and decisive effort to finish off the menace of terrorism, once and for all. Failure is not an option,” he added.

Security and governance review

The Federal Apex Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province, according to the official statement.

The meeting reviewed provincial affairs, focusing on governance reforms, institutional accountability, transparency and improved service delivery in departments directly affecting public welfare.

The committee called for urgent, results-oriented measures to address longstanding governance challenges and improve the lives of people across the province, particularly residents of the merged districts and other areas affected by terrorism.

The forum stressed that development efforts must extend across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with particular attention to underserved areas where insecurity and institutional weaknesses have complicated access to public services and economic opportunities.

Final push against terrorism

The committee reaffirmed the state’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and dismantle terrorist networks, their facilitators and support infrastructure. It described counterterrorism as a collective national responsibility requiring sustained coordination among state institutions, effective intelligence-sharing and robust security measures.

The forum also stressed that the gains achieved through the sacrifices of the public, martyrs and personnel of the security forces and law enforcement agencies must be consolidated.

At the ARDC meeting, the prime minister reiterated that the sacrifices of people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those living in the merged districts, would not go in vain.

The council members also reaffirmed their commitment to defeating terrorism, eliminating its roots and establishing enduring peace. They expressed continued support for the security forces and law enforcement agencies. The forum paid tribute to the sacrifices of the shuhada in the fight against terrorism.

Police capacity and coordination

The apex committee discussed measures to strengthen the operational capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other law-enforcement agencies.

The proposed areas of support include professional training, modern equipment, infrastructure, improved intelligence capabilities and closer coordination among agencies.

The committee said a professional and well-equipped law enforcement apparatus was essential to maintaining law and order, protecting citizens and ensuring the writ of the state throughout the province.

The forum underscored the need for all relevant institutions to work together to translate counterterrorism gains into lasting security and tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Development and public welfare

Sharif reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to extending all possible assistance to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said restoring lasting peace, safeguarding lives and property, strengthening governance and accelerating socioeconomic development remained national priorities.

The prime minister also pledged continued federal support for initiatives aimed at improving public welfare, creating economic opportunities and addressing the legitimate concerns of the people.

The committee emphasised the importance of collective national ownership, community engagement and coordinated institutional action to create conditions conducive to education, healthcare, employment, investment and infrastructure development.

ARDC stresses lasting peace

During his interaction with the Area Representative and Development Council, the prime minister stressed that sustainable peace and security were indispensable prerequisites for development, economic progress and an improved quality of life. The ARDC members reiterated their resolve to support efforts to defeat terrorism and establish lasting stability.

The prime minister said the nation’s strength lay in unity and a collective rejection of violence, extremism and attempts to undermine peace. He maintained that intimidation and violence would not weaken the determination of the state and people to secure a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The forum said counterterrorism gains must be translated into better public services, economic opportunities and a secure future for the region.

Senior officials attend

The meetings were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Other participants included Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari and Ahsan Iqbal, as well as the Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah Khan.

Members of the Advisory Council and ARDC, the Peshawar Corps commander and senior civil and military officials also attended.

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