KP CM assures border area protection, condemns provocation amid Pak-Afghan tensions

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the overall law and order situation in the province amid tension on the Pak-Afghan border.

He assured that the provincial government is closely monitoring the situation while remaining in constant contact with relevant authorities and that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the top priority.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said safeguarding every inch of Pakistan is a collective national responsibility and vowed that no compromise would be allowed on the security of border areas.

He strongly condemned any provocation or external aggression along the Pak-Afghan border and emphasized that national security would not be compromised under any circumstances.

Afridi praised the sacrifices of police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel, noting that recent terrorist incidents demand more effective and coordinated security measures.

He directed relevant departments to adopt a comprehensive strategy, assured the provision of all necessary resources, and emphasized that frontline forces would not be left at the mercy of anyone. “We must handle situations ourselves and use available resources effectively,” he said.

The CM ordered special security arrangements for religious gatherings during Ramazan, including Khatm-ul-Quran events.

He instructed the police to fill vacant positions promptly and ensure strict adherence to SOPs.

He also directed the formulation of a formal policy to provide artificial limbs to personnel injured in terrorist attacks, pledging full support to young men risking their lives for the nation.

Briefings highlighted that the police department had received Rs15.1 billion for procurement in the current fiscal year, with tests completed for over 9,000 vacant posts. Recruitment is expected to be finalized before Eid.

The meeting reviewed the progress of Safe City projects wherein itcwas informed that the Peshawar Safe City Project is ready for formal inauguration, while projects in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are scheduled for completion by March 31.