Summary He said the federal government had tried various approaches over the past two to two-and-a-half years and had addressed the demands raised by the two chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - State Minister Talal Chaudhry has said that the constitutional option exercised in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not intended to serve any political agenda but was prompted by a lack of cooperation in combating terrorism.
Speaking to the media, Chaudhry said the government had no political agenda and would remain in the province until terrorism was eliminated. He stressed that terrorism was not merely a problem for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but a national challenge that was affecting business activities and Pakistan’s overall progress.
He said the federal government had tried various approaches over the past two to two-and-a-half years and had addressed the demands raised by the two chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to Chaudhry, the government had also offered concessions during negotiations on the prime minister’s instructions.
“When terrorists are not openly identified as terrorists and strong action is not taken against them, what option is left?” he asked.
The minister said the proposed Democratic Charter II had also failed to gain the required attention, describing the inability of political leaders to reach an agreement on national interests as another setback.
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Chaudhry maintained that the government had resorted to a constitutional option that was difficult for any political party to pursue. He reiterated that the objective of emergency and governor’s rule in KP was to eliminate terrorism rather than remain in the province for an extended period.
Clarifying the government’s position on legal action, he said individuals wanted in connection with cases would be arrested or dealt with under the relevant legal procedures. He added that there was no intention to detain or imprison anyone without legal grounds.
The minister expressed concern over the security situation in parts of the province, saying that children in some districts were unable to attend school and movement along certain roads had become difficult.
He emphasised that the move was neither directed against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa nor against the Pashtun community, but was taken in the interest of Pakistan. He reiterated that the constitutional option had been exercised because of insufficient cooperation against terrorism, not for political purposes.
