Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s prime minister Ali Amin Gandapur said Wednesday that innocent and unarmed civilians were martyred in the Bajaur incident and said that decisions should not be imposed on the province without consultation.
An emergency meeting on the situation of the law and order was held under the presidency of the Prime Minister. The meeting was attended by members of the Parliamentary Party of PTI, the Chief Secretary, the Police Inspector, the additional main secretary and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the situation of the law and order was reviewed in the light of the Bajaur incident, and the relevant authorities informed the prime minister about the last developments.
After the meeting, CM Gandapur issued a video statement, stating that the provincial government defends the decisions taken during the recent conference of all parties on peace and security. He said the government is preparing for the implementation of these decisions.
When calling the Bajaur incident, a tragic event, Gandapur said that military operations against terrorism are causing civil victims, which negatively affect public trust.
“These types of incidents are eroding public confidence in the army, and without public trust, we cannot win the war on terrorism,” he said.
The prime minister said that martyred security personnel in the war against terror is “our children too” and that they are as dear as civilians in the province. He said that defective policies are avoiding the proper recognition of these sacrifices and requested a review of such policies.
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He said that a schedule had been issued to celebrate Jirgas in the fused districts. Jirgas at the local level will take place in the next ten days, followed by a Grand Jirga. Consultations with local elders, elected representatives and interested parties will help formulate a future course of action and narrative.
Gandapur said the recommendations of the Jirgas would be presented to security officials for a possible review of current policy. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism should be based on public trust.
He also expressed reservations regarding the use of the “action in the aid of civil power” and said that a assembly session was convened since August 1 to discuss this issue, among others, and determine if it is fulfilling its planned purpose.
“Our clear message is that we are with the people and we will make all the lengths for them,” said the main minister. “This is our province, our land. Incorrect decisions should not be imposed without consultation.”
He assured the public that Imran Khan’s party, his workers and the provincial government are with them. “We will not rest until your problems are solved,” he added.
CM Gandapur said he had ordered all the attached commissioners who do not impose the curfew or section 144 without the prior approval of the Department of Origin.
Previously, a meeting chaired by the main minister was held on the situation of the law and order in Bajaur. Condolences and sympathies were expressed by the families of civilians and martyred security personnel in the incident.
The main minister announced RS10 million in compensation for the families of each civil and martyred security official, and RS2.5 million each for civilians and injured security personnel.
