KP lawmakers stress unity, collective strategy against militancy

PESHAWAR: Treasury and opposition benches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday underlined the need for collective efforts to counter the fresh wave of militancy, urging state institutions to acknowledge the role of elected representatives in the province.

The assembly session, chaired by panel chairman Idrees Khattak, called for unity among political parties to ensure lasting peace in the province. Members also underscored the importance of the parliamentary committee on law and order, stressing that it must play an active role in addressing the deteriorating security situation.

Speaking on the floor of the house, ruling party MPA from Kohat Daud Shah said that both parliamentary and non-parliamentary political forces should take coordinated steps for sustainable peace in the province.

“Irrespective of political affiliations and ideologies, we as parliamentarians must play our role in ensuring security and protection of our people,” he added.Awami National Party MPA Shahida Waheed proposed convening a Qaumi Amn Jirga with participation from all political parties to devise a strategy to end prevailing unrest and insecurity in the province.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Shafiullah Khan demanded that the federal government respect the mandate of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and allow the chief minister to meet PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail. “The judges should resign if they cannot implement their own decisions,” he added.

Welcoming the meeting between the corps commander Peshawar and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at Chief Minister’s House, Pakistan People’s Party parliamentary party leader Ahmad Karim Kundi said that while politicians and parliamentarians fully acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces, the Pakistan Army must also respect the public mandate and the constitutional role of parliament.

Former Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam Advocate reiterated the PTI’s stance against military operations in the province, arguing that the use of force was not a solution. “Any action should be taken with the consensus of local elders and elected representatives in their respective areas,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, the 33-member parliamentary committee on law and order is scheduled to meet today (Wednesday) at provincial Assembly hall. Senior officials of security forces, police and other law enforcement agencies will brief committee members on the current security situation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati will chair the meeting.