Pakistan PM Warns Northwest Militancy Must End at All Costs Amid Policy Standoff

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Wednesday that the escalating insurgency in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province must be halted regardless of the expense, highlighting a deepening fracture between the central authority and the opposition-run provincial government regarding security strategy.

Militant violence has surged across Pakistan in recent years, predominantly within KP, a region sharing a border with Afghanistan and repeatedly targeted by suicide blasts and assaults on armed forces. The federal capital asserts that these insurgents operate out of safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan—a claim Kabul categorically rejects.

While the federal administration advocates for intensified counterterrorism operations, the KP government, governed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following his incarceration, has condemned the center’s methods and demanded a coordinated approach involving provincial and other key stakeholders.

“Rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped at all costs,” Sharif stated during a session with Amir Muqam, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, per an announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Emphasizing equitable development, Sharif noted the administration’s desire for KP to progress alongside the rest of the nation, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the provincial populace in the war on militancy.

These comments surface as KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi heads a PTI protest procession toward Islamabad. Federal figures have denounced the move, accusing the provincial administration of focusing on political maneuvering rather than addressing the deteriorating local security landscape.

The PTI denies these allegations, arguing that the federal counterterrorism framework has failed to secure enduring stability in a province that has long grappled with military campaigns, insurgent assaults, and mass displacement.

The rift over security strategy became apparent during talks last week between the ruling coalition and the opposition, intended to ease political friction and prevent the capital-bound march.

The PTI initiated the procession from Lakki Marwat on Sunday once discussions collapsed due to disagreements over counterterrorism strategy and demands regarding access to Khan, who has been detained since August 2023 on accusations he contends are politically inspired.

On Tuesday, Sharif indicated readiness to restart talks should the PTI cancel the demonstration, encouraging the opposition to settle disputes through negotiation rather than unrest.

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