Summary Prime minister said terrorist attacks were occurring daily in KP while the provincial government remained silent
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government not to remain a silent spectator to the deteriorating security situation, calling for joint efforts with the federal government to eliminate terrorism.
Addressing a crucial federal cabinet meeting on Sunday, the prime minister said terrorist attacks were occurring daily in KP while the provincial government remained silent. He described the provincial administration’s alleged inaction as assistance to terrorism and urged it to play an active role in countering the threat.
“We want the KP government to work with the federal government to eliminate terrorism, but it is not willing to support the Centre against terrorists,” the prime minister said.
He also criticised the provincial government over what he described as its plan to march on Islamabad, saying ordinary citizens had been targeted in terrorist attacks over the past two years.
Referring to the security situation in the province, Shehbaz said attacks were taking place daily in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and other areas, while the provincial government had failed to publicly condemn the incidents.
The prime minister said the federal government had provided Rs800 billion to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated that Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism remained unwavering.
He also stressed that the use of Afghan territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan was unacceptable.
IMF agreement and economic outlook
The prime minister also referred to the recent staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), expressing hope that Pakistan would unlock a $1.2 billion tranche before the end of the year.
He recalled his meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month.
Shehbaz also commended the political and military leadership for working together to maintain fiscal discipline and stabilise the economy.
Recalling his visit to London last month, the premier said he had met senior executives of leading international financial institutions as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s economic engagement.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role and ties with Saudi Arabia
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts internationally, saying the country had received appreciation for its role in mediation efforts related to the Middle East conflict.
He praised the role of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying Pakistan continued to pursue its diplomatic responsibilities with sincerity and commitment.
Shehbaz also condemned the recent Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding ties with the kingdom.
“Our only goal is that peace should be restored in the region,” he said, adding that Pakistan stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and would not tolerate aggression against it.
The prime minister described any aggression against Saudi Arabia as a red line for Pakistan.
