CM Afridi must put counterterrorism ahead of political mobilisation
PESHAWAR (APP): At a time when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing serious and persistent security challenges, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi must ensure that counterterrorism, protection of citizens and strengthening of law enforcement institutions remain at the forefront of his government’s priorities.
Although political activity and democratic dissent are legitimate components of a democratic system, however, the provincial government also carries constitutional responsibilities for good governance, public safety and an effective functioning of Govt institutions.
In a province that has borne a particularly heavy human and economic cost of terrorism, these responsibilities have required sustained attention of CM Afridi and a clear policy direction.
Professor Dr Ejaz Khan of the Department of International Relations said differences among political forces may be a normal feature of democratic politics, but ambiguity over counterterrorism policy could have serious consequences.
He said the provincial leadership needed to communicate an unequivocal position against terrorism and ensured that political differences did not overshadow the collective effort to combat terrorism and militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
While referring to the recent statement of Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, he said the fight against terrorism was an enduring national challenge and could not be compromised because of political considerations.
Professor Ejaz Khan said that Pakistan had suffered colossal human and economic losses during more than two decades due to terrorism, emphasizing setting aside political differences, ensuring national unity and institutional coordination essential to counter the monster threat.
He recalled that successive political and state institutions had developed the National Action Plan (NAP), its subsequent review and the Azm-e-Istehkam framework as part of efforts to establish a coordinated national response against terrorism.
These initiatives represented an important basis for national consensus and should be implemented through an effective coordination among state and Govt institutions.
“Politics exists if the state exists, democracy exists if the state exists, and the protection of citizens depends upon the strength and effectiveness of state institutions,” he said.
Professor Ejaz Khan further highlighted the sacrifices of police personnel, intelligence officials, soldiers and civilians who continue to confront terrorism with bravery and steadfastness, saying that the provincial government should provide full institutional and political support to those engaged in maintaining security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The debate surrounding PTI’s proposed long march on October 4 and other political activities has meanwhile raised serious questions about the timing and priorities of the CM Afridi government.
MPA Malik Tariq Awan said political confrontation during a period of heightened security concerns could divert attention from matters requiring sustained governmental focus, including policing, intelligence coordination, protection of civilians and support for security institutions.
He said any government could pursue its political agenda while simultaneously demonstrating a clear and consistent commitment to counterterrorism.
He claimed that PTI Govt has failed to eradicate terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite its 13 yesrs long rule.
He said although a strong response to terrorism does not require abandoning political rights or democratic dissent, rather, it requires maintaining a clear distinction between legitimate political activity and the government’s fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens.
MPA Tariq Awan said the provincial government needs to provide greater clarity on its counterterrorism approach, its coordination mechanism with federal security institutions, measures for protecting vulnerable districts and communities, and steps to ensure that political tensions do not undermine security cooperation in KP.
He said any rhetoric that creates ambiguity regarding the Govt position against terrorist organisations could further complicate an already challenging security environment.
The experts stressed that terrorism was unacceptable and that civilian protection and institutional cooperation should remain central to the KP government’s policy.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has paid an exceptionally heavy price in lives, infrastructure and economic opportunities during two decades of terrorism.
Awan said its people require effective policing, functioning institutions, economic stability and political leadership capable of maintaining focus on their security and welfare.
For Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the immediate challenge is therefore one of governance and priorities. Political disputes can be pursued through democratic and constitutional means, while political mobilisation can take place within the law.
The threat of terrorism requires CM Afridi Govt’s continuous attention and institutional preparedness with a lead role to police and CTD.
What is required is not political silence against terrorism in KP, but responsible leadership that keeps counterterrorism, public safety and stability at the centre of governance.
At this critical juncture, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people needs its political leadership to devote governmental energy to strengthening security, protecting citizens and ensuring institutional coordination, while political differences may be addressed through democratic means.
