'No compromise on police': Kundi vows enhanced support, pay raise for law enforcers

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pledged stronger police support and prioritized counterterrorism after the federal government imposed governor’s rule in the province. They said coordination between federal and provincial authorities would improve, with added support for law enforcement and efforts to restore movement in terrorism-affected districts.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Monday that the new setup in the province would “not compromise on police”, pledging enhanced support and pay raise for the law enforcers. He was addressing a press conference in Peshawar a day after the Centre imposed governor’s rule in KP. Kundi, Naqvi chair apex committee meeting Earlier in the day, Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi co-chaired a meeting of the provincial apex committee, a day after the imposition of governor’s rule and an emergency in the province. Addressing the meeting, Kundi — who is now in charge of running the province — asserted that under the new set-up, tackling terrorism would be the priority. “We can sacrifice our development, but never security,” Kundi vowed as he noted a “lack of synergy” in counterterrorism efforts in the province. “Now it will show that there is (synergy),” he said, adding that the administration will “fulfil the demands of the Counter-Terrorism Department and police”. He stressed that the administration will “work 24/7” as the federal government and the “people had put their faith in us”. “We have to show the difference,” Kundi said, adding that there was no time for holidays or weekends. He stressed that the administration was moving towards “result-oriented” actions, rather than cosmetic measures. Noting the scourge of terrorism in the province, the governor said that the “people have no freedom to live, travel and do other things” in districts such as Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Waziristan. He called for working towards restoring freedom of movement for people in terrorism-affected districts. “People from our province also want peace, prosperity and development,” he said. Kundi expressed the hope that the new administration be remembered well. “It should be written in history that these people came and restored peace in the province,” he said. The governor added that he will hold apex committee meetings regularly. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi co-chair a meeting of the KP apex committee on October 12. – DawnNewsTV Co-chairing the meeting alongside Kundi, Naqvi remarked: “Today is the first time I can proudly say that the federal and the provincial governments are on the same page. “In the past 2.5 years, we have seen many ups and downs,” Naqvi said. The minister stated that the most difficult work was that the war against terrorism was being fought with “no backend support”. Criticising the PTI-led government, he said: “It was the [provincial] government’s job to lead the war against terrorism, but they did not do it. They kept bowing their heads only because they did not want to compromise. “But any war, no matter how many resources you have, cannot be won until the government leads it,” he stressed. “Not once, not twice; we requested them to work with us dozens of times,“ Naqvi emphasised. “One thing I will ask you to note is that this is the same force, these are the same people, but the only difference you will see is that … the same people will show you results.” He further said: “It’s not like things will change in a day; there will be difficult times. But all of us, including the governor, police, administration, and the federal government. “We have to face and defeat them together. Our intentions are pure; God will help us produce results.“ According to an official handout, the forum directed relevant institutions to ensure “coordinated, effective and decisive” steps for eradicating terrorism and establishing sustainable peace. “The forum made it clear that intelligence-based operations against terrorist activities would continue and all available resources would be utilised to improve the law and order situation,” it said, adding that the need to improve the operational capability of police and the CTD was also stressed. The body decided to provide these departments with modern equipment, necessary vehicles, effective weapons, required personnel and all other necessary resources. It was also agreed during the meeting that the resolution of problems being faced by the people, provision of basic facilities and service delivery at people’s doorstep would be ensured, the handout said. For this purpose, suggestions from the public, their needs and priorities of the local population would be considered during policymaking, it added. Kundi meets chief secretary, police chief Earlier in the day, Kundi chaired a high-level security meeting with the new chief secretary, Dr Muhammad Fakhr Alam Irfan, newly appointed Home Affairs Adviser Kifayatullah Khan, and Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed. In a post on X, Kundi said the meeting reviewed the security situation and counterterrorism efforts in KP. “Our police officers stand on the front lines of this fight, making immense sacrifices to protect our people. Their welfare, fair compensation and the future of their families must remain a priority.” He expre