Widespread anger observed against militants in Bannu following attack on AC Razmak
BANNU (APP): Widespread anger is being observed in Bannu district on Tuesday following yet another heinous terrorist attack that claimed the lives of an Assistant Commissioner (AC), his two bodyguards, and a passerby on a broad day light.
People of all walks of life condemned the deadly gun attack on Assistant Commissioner Razmak tehsil of North Waziristan tribal district, Waliullah Khan, demanding PTI Government to take decisive action against inimical forces involved in this gory incident.
“This reprehensible incident is not an isolated act but part of a recurring pattern of anti-Pakistan elements in a bid to instill fear among officials of district administration and police to undermine peace in KP but failed,” said Shad Mihammad, former Minister while talking to APP.
He said that officers of police, district administration, and educated youth pose a direct challenge to militants’ agenda that is why they are being targeted in KP.
He referred to the recent suicide attack by three Afghan nationals on FC Headquarters, followed by today’s assault on the Assistant Commissioner, adding FC fought with bravery and foiled the attack.
Professor Dr Zahid Anwar of politcal science department at University of Peshawar has strongly condemned the attack on Assistant Commissioner Razmak and called upon of KP Govt to adopt a clear policy against terrorism.
He said the combination of social fragmentation, economic disparities, ideological differences, and aimless criticism against security operations has adversely affected peace in the province.
“Societies are being divided by exploiting illiteracy, unemployment, and poverty,” he said, adding these challenges exist worldwide, but in regions with lower literacy and awareness, people can easily fall in negative hands.
“The enemy is trying to exploit an unemployed youth through calculated strategies to achieve their ulterior motives,” said Dr Akhtar Ali Shah, former IGP and Home Secretary KP.
He recalled that Indian intelligence networks have historically targeted Pakistan through covert and overt operations referring to the wars of 1948, 1965, and 1971 to later illegal actions including Siachen, May 2025 attacks and water aggression.
He said such hostile activities, have indirectly facilitated banned outfits like the TTP in escalating attacks inside Pakistan.
Dr. Akhtar Shah also highlighted foreign interference, particularly the alleged use of TTP by Indian proxies to halt development projects in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan’s rapid progress under CPEC has unsettled hostile forces, prompting them to employ terrorism to derail development in Balochistan.
The Afghan Taliban’s failure to honor commitments under the Doha Agreement has contributed to rising terrorism in regional states including KP province of Pakistan, he said.
He stressed that Afghanistan must acknowledge that lasting regional peace and economic stability depend on decisive action against the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from its territory.
Akhtar accused PTI Govt for its lackluster approach and lack of anti terrorism policy, demanding CM Sohail Afridi to immediatly approach to Federal Government to eradicate terrorism.
Dr. Muhammad Jamil, Director of the Centre for Conflict and Regional Studies at the University of Peshawar, emphasized that marginalization and socio-economic exclusion create fertile ground for extremist recruitment.
“Social cohesion and equal opportunities are essential tools in the fight against terrorism,” he said, adding that the absence of development, recreational facilities, and sports infrastructure in tribal and remote areas are contributing to radicalization in KP.
“Youth need engagement, not alienation,” he stressed, calling for the revival of hujra culture, cinemas, and traditional sports to counter extremist influence.
He added that community-led initiatives including seminars, awareness drives, and comprehensive educational reforms play a critical role in shaping public perceptions.
“The role of civil society, teachers, parliamentarians, and religious leaders is pivotal in promoting peace and rebuilding trust,” he reiterated.
PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Sahibzada Hamza Khan said that the surge in terrorism cases in KP has been compounded by the absence of a clear and consistent counterterrorism policy at provincial level.
He pointed to politically motivated ill- narratives advocating dialogue with militants, resulting increase in cases of terrorism in KP.
Recalling the swift and decisive reforms undertaken after the APS tragedy under the leadership of then Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, he said the formulation of the National Action Plan (NAP), establishment of NACTA and special anti-terrorism courts besides confronting terror networks like the TTP with Govt resolve had eradicated terrorism,” he said.
He also highlighted youth-oriented initiatives such as scholarships, laptops, and soft loans under the PM Youth Empowerment programs helped steer young people away from extremists narratives.
Experts unanimously agreed that defeating terrorism requires not only effective security operations but also sustained development and a comprehensive societal transformation rooted in education, economic justice, infrastructure devolopment, employment and national unity.
They stressed the need for educational reforms, including a unified curriculum promoting tolerance, critical thinking, and a strong national cohesion.
A balanced approach combining strict action against hardened terrorists with reintegration opportunities for those willing to abandon violence is essential for lasting peace and stability.
The experts warned that terrorism thrives on societal division but weakens in the face of unity. A proactive, inclusive, and united national response particularly by the KP Government remains the only path to bring inimical forces to justice imperative for lasting peace and prosperity.
