In a resounding call to action amid escalating violence in the northwest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur – often addressed as CM Sohail in local discourse – has pledged an unrelenting crackdown on terrorism, vowing to wipe it out “at all costs.” Speaking at a high-level security conference in Peshawar, the PTI leader underscored the province’s frontline role in Pakistan’s fight against militancy, promising bolstered intelligence ops, community policing, and zero tolerance for safe havens.
The provocative statement comes on the heels of a string of deadly attacks, including the ambush of a military convoy in North Waziristan last week that claimed 12 lives and a suicide bombing near Swat that injured 28 civilians. “Terrorism is not just a threat to our borders; it’s a poison eroding our youth and economy. We will eliminate it at all costs – no mercy for those who harbor or fund it,” Gandapur declared, flanked by provincial police chief and Frontier Corps officials. He revealed plans for a Rs. 5 billion infusion into KP’s counter-terrorism framework, including drone surveillance in tribal districts and youth deradicalization programs in collaboration with federal agencies.
Gandapur’s rhetoric, blending Pashtun resolve with PTI’s governance playbook, has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters hail it as a much-needed morale boost for a province battered by over 1,200 terror incidents since 2021, per South Asia Terrorism Portal data. “Finally, a leader speaking the truth – KP bleeds while Islamabad plays politics,” tweeted local influencer @PeshawarVoice, echoing sentiments from tribal elders who attended the meet. Critics, however, question the feasibility, pointing to chronic underfunding and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s cross-border incursions from Afghanistan. “Words are cheap; where’s the action against Afghan-based handlers?” retorted opposition leader from ANP, Mian Iftikhar Hussain.
This isn’t Gandapur’s first foray into hardline security talk. Elected in February 2024 amid PTI’s provincial stronghold, he’s navigated a delicate balance: pushing for peace talks with disaffected groups while ramping up ops against hardcore militants. Recent successes, like the neutralization of 45 TTP fighters in Bajaur raids, have bolstered his cred, but analysts warn of blowback. “KP’s CM is right – elimination is the only path – but it demands federal muscle and Afghan cooperation,” noted security expert Imtiaz Gul in a Dawn op-ed.
As winter fog descends on the rugged terrain, Gandapur’s “at all costs” mantra signals a potential escalation. Will it translate to safer streets or more coffins? With federal elections looming in 2026, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Peshawar’s markets buzz with cautious optimism, but for families like that of slain soldier Captain Usman Khan, it’s a grim reminder: Peace in KP remains a battlefield prize. Stay locked for updates as the province steels for the storm.
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