Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed grave concerns over the impact of military-led anti-terrorism operations on public trust. In a recent statement, Gandapur highlighted that civilian casualties resulting from such operations are eroding public confidence in the military’s efforts to combat terrorism. He emphasized that without public trust, the war against terrorism cannot be won.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the wake of the tragic Bajaur incident, where innocent civilians lost their lives during a military operation. Gandapur criticized the imposition of decisions on the province without proper consultation, underscoring the importance of involving local stakeholders in security matters. He called for a revision of current policies to ensure that they align with the interests and safety of the local population.
In response to the growing concerns, Gandapur announced plans to hold local-level jirgas (traditional councils) in the merged districts, followed by a grand jirga. These consultations aim to gather input from local elders, elected representatives, and stakeholders to formulate a future course of action and narrative. The Chief Minister reiterated that the fight against terrorism must be based on public trust and that the provincial government stands with the people to resolve their problems.
Furthermore, Gandapur expressed reservations regarding the use of ‘Action in Aid of Civil Power’ and announced that an assembly session would be convened on August 1 to debate this issue, among others, to determine whether it is serving its intended purpose. He assured the public that the provincial government would not allow any operation in KP without proper consultation and consensus.
The Chief Minister’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among local leaders that military operations should be carefully evaluated and that alternative strategies, such as intelligence-based operations, should be prioritized to ensure the safety and trust of the local population. As the situation develops, the provincial government’s approach may influence future policies and the relationship between the military and the public in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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