Samar Bilour says KP preparing for ‘final battle' against terrorism

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Adviser on Information Samar Haroon Bilour has said the province is preparing for a decisive battle against terrorism, stressing that the situation demands stronger measures rather than ineffective, short-term remedies. Speaking on Samaa TV's programme 'Redline with Talat', Bilour said the government had identified areas where terrorist groups had established clusters and possessed information about their locations. She also outlined plans for police reforms, cooperation with existing tribal militias and federal support for the province. Bilour said participants at a meeting had agreed with firm resolve that the upcoming effort would be their final battle against terrorism. She added that all stakeholders who attended the meeting were on the same page. Recalling earlier security operations, the KP information adviser said several areas of the province had been cleared of terrorism in 2017 and 2018. However, she alleged that 28,000 terrorists were brought back and resettled in different areas during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. She said the government intended to introduce structural reforms within the KP Police and establish a robust system to improve the province's security arrangements. Targeted operations in identified areas Bilour said certain areas had been identified where terrorist groups had formed clusters and that the authorities had information about the locations of the militants and other related details. She confirmed that an operation would be conducted in the province, but clarified that it would not take place in the manner currently being described. She added that no one wanted instability in their own region. Referring to a harrowing incident reported in Karak on the day of the programme, Bilour highlighted the seriousness of the security situation. She also said the areas visited by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were places where, according to her, no one else could go. No new tribal militias planned The adviser said the provincial government would not form new local tribal militias, commonly known as lashkars. Instead, existing groups would work together and provide support as part of efforts to address terrorism. Bilour stressed that the situation had moved far beyond the point where 'homeopathic' or mild measures could be effective. She said peace remained the priority, but the government would also continue development work across the province. Afghanistan as terrorism's epicentre Bilour described Afghanistan as the epicentre of terrorism, alleging that attacks against Pakistan were launched from Afghan territory. She questioned the rationale for continuing trade with those waging war against Pakistan, saying the bloodshed among the country's people had to be considered. She also argued that those seeking to take control of the country through the barrel of a gun could never be brought onto the right path. The adviser said regulation of religious seminaries, or madaris, had also been discussed during the meeting, indicating that the government's deliberations covered issues beyond security operations alone. PM assures funding for KP Bilour said the prime minister had assured the provincial government that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive whatever funds were required. She added that a request had also been made to establish Danish Schools in the province. She reiterated that peace was the government's foremost priority, while development projects would continue alongside efforts to improve security. Bilour also disclosed that Iqbal Afridi had been taken into protective custody and that several other individuals were being held under similar arrangements. She said the government did not intend to leave these matters unresolved or allow them to remain in limbo. Bilour further claimed that some individuals associated with the PTI were reaching out in search of a way forward for themselves. Pakistan News, News Pakistan