Federal Apex Committee, ARDC reiterate resolve to eliminate terrorism, ensure lasting peace in KP

PESHAWAR, Oct 22 (APP):The Federal Apex Committee and the Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) on Thursday reiterated the national resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, consolidate the gains of counter-terrorism efforts and ensure lasting peace, effective governance and sustainable development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts and other underserved areas.

The meetings, separately chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here, underscored that defeating terrorism was a collective national responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by all state institutions, sustained support for the security forces and law enforcement agencies, and the active participation of local communities to translate the gains of peace into tangible improvements in public welfare.

Both sessions were attended by Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Faisal Karim Kundi, the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Interior Minister, Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance, Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Engineer Amir Muqam, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Law, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari, Federal Minister for Power, Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning & Development, Rana Sanaullah Khan, Advisor to Prime Minister, members of the Advisory Council as well as the Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC), Commander Peshawar Corps and other senior civil and military officials.

The Apex Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of Emergency and Governor’s Rule in the province.

The forum was briefed on provincial affairs, with particular emphasis on governance reforms, institutional accountability, transparency and improved service delivery in departments directly affecting public welfare.

The Committee underscored the need for urgent, result-oriented measures to address longstanding governance challenges and improve the lives of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those in the merged districts and other terrorism-affected areas.

The body reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and dismantle terrorist networks, their facilitators and support infrastructure. It emphasized that the fight against terrorism was a collective national responsibility requiring sustained coordination among all state institutions, effective intelligence-sharing and robust counter-terrorism measures.

The forum stressed that no effort would be spared in consolidating the gains achieved through the sacrifices of the people, martyrs, and personnel of the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).

The Committee also discussed measures strengthening the operational capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other LEAs through enhanced professional training, modern equipment, infrastructure, improved intelligence capabilities and seamless inter-agency coordination.

The participants stressed that a robust and professional law enforcement apparatus was essential to maintaining law and order, protecting citizens and ensuring the effective writ of the state throughout the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to extending all possible assistance to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and underscored that restoring lasting peace, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, strengthening governance and accelerating socio economic development remained national priorities.

He emphasized that the sacrifices made by the people of the province in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain and that the federal government would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving public welfare, creating economic opportunities and addressing the legitimate concerns of the people.

He announced Rs 160 Billion from federal government for Badalta , Nikharta , Mazboot KP (Transforming, Flourishing, and Strong KP) Program.

The Committee stressed the importance of collective national ownership, community engagement and coordinated actions by all relevant institutions to create an enabling environment for education, healthcare, employment, investment and infrastructure development, in whole of KP but particularly in the merged districts and other underserved areas.

The forum reiterated that the state remained firmly committed to defeating terrorism, restoring durable peace and ensuring stability, effective governance and sustainable development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It emphasized that the unity, resilience and collective resolve of the nation would remain central to securing a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for the province and Pakistan.

The Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) highlighted that sustainable peace and security were indispensable prerequisites for development, economic progress and improved quality of life for the people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that the sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those of the merged districts, would not go in vain. He underscored that lasting peace in the merged districts remained a shared national responsibility.

The members of ARDC reaffirmed their resolve to defeat terrorism, eliminate its roots and establish enduring peace remained unwavering. They reiterated their steadfast support for the security forces and law enforcement agencies in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability and prosperity.

The forum underscored that the state remained firmly committed to translating the gains achieved through counter-terrorism efforts into tangible development, improved public services, economic opportunities and a secure future for the region.

The prime minister stressed that the strength of the nation lay in its unity and collective resolve to reject violence, extremism and all attempts to undermine peace and stability.

He reaffirmed that no amount of intimidation or violence could weaken the determination of the people and the state to secure a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored that “whole nation is indebted and proud of the contributions and sacrifices of the people of your areas. Now is the time for a final and decisive effort to finish off the menace of terrorism, once and for all. Failure is not an option.”

The forum paid rich tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs in the fight against terrorism.