ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government over its approach to terrorism, saying recent remarks by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry amounted to a “charge sheet” against the provincial administration.
In a series of social media posts, Asif said the DG ISPR’s recent press conference had raised serious concerns about the KP government’s response to militancy and its efforts to strengthen the provincial police force.
The defence minister questioned why the provincial administration was not doing more to improve the capacity of its police and counterterrorism institutions in a province facing continued security challenges.
Asif questions KP government’s terrorism response
Khawaja Asif argued that political activity should not be used to justify or protect actions that could contribute to an environment in which militant groups operate.
He called for a clearer position from the provincial government on terrorism and said political differences should not prevent federal and provincial institutions from working together against militant threats.
The minister also questioned the absence of what he described as a clear position by the KP government and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding the state’s designation of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to Asif, all state institutions and political forces should maintain clarity on Pakistan’s position towards militant organisations.
Debate over Afghanistan policy
The defence minister also criticised calls from PTI figures for engagement with Afghan authorities, arguing that such an approach could create confusion regarding Pakistan’s policy towards militancy and Kabul.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained tense over allegations concerning militant groups operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
Asif said the fight against terrorism required coordination between the federal and provincial governments as well as stronger institutional capacity.
Focus on KP police
The defence minister stressed the need to improve the resources and operational capacity of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police to deal with terrorism and other security threats.
He maintained that effective counterterrorism efforts required political leadership, adequate resources and cooperation between relevant state institutions.
The remarks come amid an ongoing political dispute between the federal government and the PTI-led KP administration over security policy, responsibility for counterterrorism and relations with Afghanistan.
The debate has intensified as the province continues to face security challenges and both federal and provincial authorities exchange accusations over how terrorism should be addressed.
