Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Sunday supported the federal government’s decision to assume the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government, arguing that deteriorating law and order and alleged failures in tackling terrorism necessitated the move.
Rana Sanaullah supports federal govt move in KP affairs, cites security concerns & provincial failures
ISLAMABAD, Oct 11 (APP):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Sunday supported the federal government’s decision to assume the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government, arguing that deteriorating law and order and alleged failures in tackling terrorism necessitated the move.
Speaking to the private TV channel, Sanaullah said maintaining peace and protecting citizens’ lives and property were the government’s foremost responsibilities, adding that economic activity, employment, education and healthcare could not flourish without security.
He said the federal government’s immediate priority would be to improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies and civil administration so that areas cleared of militants could be effectively managed and secured by civilian authorities.
The prime minister’s adviser accused elements within the provincial government of failing to adequately support counterterrorism operations.
He argued that during the former PTI-led provincial government, the weaknesses in the police, CTD and civil administration had undermined efforts to restore lasting peace in the province.
Answering the question, he said the government had continued efforts to persuade the provincial leadership to cooperate with the national counter-terrorism policy and place national security above political interests.
According to Sanaullah, negotiations had taken place during the preceding week, but the provincial side had subsequently withdrawn from understandings reached during those discussions.
He added that political interlocutors were also urged to encourage the provincial leadership to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to the fight against terrorism.
Sanaullah said the federal government had remained willing to address the provincial leadership’s concerns, including issues related to meetings and other demands, through dialogue.
He maintained that the government had made efforts until the last possible stage before taking the decision.
