A high level meeting on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held on Tuesday, during which the province’s security, economic and development related matters were reviewed.

A high level meeting on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held on Tuesday, during which the province’s security, economic and development related matters were reviewed. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, representatives of the federal government, and senior civilian and military officials. Commenting on the details of the meeting, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan, Advisor to Chief Minister on Finance Muzzamal Aslam and Minister for Law Aftab Alam stated in a video message that the meeting thoroughly reviewed the province’s security situation, economy, law and order, and development related matters. In his video message, Shafi Jan stated that as soon as the law and order situation improves in the affected areas, all services will be handed over to the civil administration in phases. Sharing what he termed a major piece of good news for Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he announced that Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held in Peshawar this time. He added that for the first time in PSL history, Peshawar’s Imran Khan Cricket Stadium will host PSL matches, while PSL roadshows will also be organized in various cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Briefing on financial matters, Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam said in the video message that the meeting discussed in detail the financial challenges faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the points regarding the province’s financial difficulties earlier presented before the Prime Minister were reiterated. He said that many of the province’s major financial issues could be resolved if Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receives its due share under the NFC Award.
He added that despite limited federal funds, the provincial government is fulfilling its responsibilities in the merged districts, but the existing resources are insufficient. The meeting also discussed proposals to address future financial challenges and decided that the province’s recommendations would be presented to the federal government to secure maximum possible financial relief for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Muzammil Aslam further said that the meeting also held detailed discussions on the impact of operations and market closures on livelihoods in affected areas, and that the federal and provincial governments will jointly take steps to provide alternative trade arrangements, employment opportunities, and compensation for financial losses. Speaking on law and order issues, Law Minister Aftab Alam Advocate said in his video message that the meeting took important decisions regarding security. He said that a major development has emerged for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Malakand Division, under which the Pakistan Army will hand over its responsibilities in Malakand Division to the provincial police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and other law enforcement agencies. He said that the process of restoration of peace is a major success of the provincial government, civil administration, and military leadership, and that this decision is a clear expression of confidence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. He added that meetings will be convened with stakeholders, including political and religious parties and tribal elders, to take them into confidence, and that the civil and military leadership will ensure implementation of their recommendations. The law minister further said that the decisions taken by the Provincial Apex Committee will be ensured before the National Apex Committee meeting, where these decisions will be formally endorsed as well.