KP security situation worsened in recent months: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government had been left with no choice but to impose governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the situation as a “now or never” moment.

Addressing the PML-N parliamentary party meeting, the premier said that the security situation in the province had deteriorated significantly in recent months, adding that the people of KP had always made sacrifices for Pakistan’s prosperity.

The prime minister said terrorism had been eliminated from the country by 2018. He alleged that terrorists had been brought into the province during the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government.

PM Shehbaz said the federal government had made every effort over the past two and a half years to improve matters in the province.

He added that assurances of cooperation had also been extended to former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and that meetings had been held with dysfunctional Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

He alleged that the provincial government had tried to obstruct the country’s development and promoted sit-ins and abusive language instead of strengthening the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in KP. He also criticised the Imran Khan-founded party for not speaking out against terrorists.

Reoffering to the recent talks with the PTI, the prime minister said negotiations had nearly reached an agreement but the process was derailed. He added that the PTI delegation had eventually said it needed to consult the provincial government, alleging that the situation was deliberately spoiled, possibly under instructions to repeat the events of May 9.