KP cabinet fully backs security forces

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Wednesday paid rich tribute to the country’s security forces for their instant and forceful response to Indian aggression and expressed full solidarity with them on behalf of the people and government of the province.

Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, said an emergency meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet was held here in the backdrop of India’s unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair.

The speaker of the KP Assembly and the leader of the opposition attended the meeting on special invitation, alongside cabinet members, the chief secretary, the inspector general of police, additional chief secretaries, and administrative secretaries. Commissioners and deputy commissioners participated via video link.

Briefing the media about the emergency meeting, the adviser said the cabinet condemned the unprovoked Indian aggression and expressed grave concern over this blatant act of hostility. It called on the international community to urgently take notice of India’s hostile behavior, which it said threatens the security of the entire region.

Fateha was offered for the elevation in ranks of the martyrs, a speedy recovery for the injured, and the safety and security of the nation. Sympathy was expressed with civilians affected by Indian aggression, and every possible support was pledged for their relief and rehabilitation.

The cabinet reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s defense and pledged that every sacrifice would be made for the protection of the homeland. Full cooperation and support were assured to the security forces in delivering a befitting response to Indian aggression.

Earlier, the cabinet was briefed on the evolving situation and the proposed steps for handling any eventuality, which were unanimously endorsed.

The adviser said the cabinet termed India’s belligerent actions as highly condemnable and denounced the cowardly targeting of the civilian population under the cover of darkness. This act, he said, was a flagrant violation of international laws and norms.

Sending a clear message to India, the cabinet declared, “We stand fully united and prepared to defend every inch of our beloved country at all costs.”

“We believe in the prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind and that victory will be for the Muslims. It will be our honor to be a part of it,” the chief minister remarked, adding, “As Muslims, martyrdom is the highest honor, and we are always ready to embrace it.”

The cabinet expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Punjab, assuring them of all possible support, and emphasized that the entire Pakistani nation is united in the defense of the motherland — 250 million people stand as one army.

The adviser said the cabinet observed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive policies are endangering not only Pakistan but also the safety of the Indian people and their country.

“The aggressive posture of India’s fascist regime poses a constant threat to regional peace. India must not mistake our desire for peace as a weakness — we will always respond in the same coin, or even more forcefully,” the cabinet warned.

Saif said the cabinet pointed out that PTI founder Imran Khan is the most popular leader in the country and must be released and included in all consultations at this critical juncture to ensure a truly united strategy against hostile India.

The cabinet recalled Imran Khan’s past commitment, in which he vowed to fight to the end against any Indian aggression. Therefore, the cabinet said, such a popular leader cannot be excluded from national efforts to unite and respond effectively. His inclusion and consultation, it stressed, are essential for national unity and cohesion.

The cabinet vowed not to ignore terrorist threats and reaffirmed its commitment to remain vigilant and to foil the nefarious designs of elements against the nation.