ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has finalized a comprehensive action plan aimed at combating terrorism and strengthening law and order across the province. The plan was presented during a meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with the participation of senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary, IGP, and advisors.
Key Pillars of the Provincial Action Plan
The action plan, which outlines seven core pillars, addresses multiple aspects of governance and security to counter the growing threat of terrorism. These pillars include:
Counterterrorism Measures
Political and Social Initiatives
Legal Reforms
Good Governance
General Administrative Actions
Monitoring and Public Awareness Campaigns
The initiative identifies 84 specific actions across 18 thematic areas, assigning responsibilities to various provincial departments and federal agencies. The plan also includes clear timelines for each action.
Enhancing Police and CTD Capabilities
A significant focus of the action plan is the enhancement of police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) capabilities. This involves fast-tracking the recruitment of personnel, upgrading training programs, and procuring modern weapons and equipment. Special emphasis will be placed on improving police infrastructure in southern and merged districts, with relevant projects to be included in the Annual Development Program.
Cross-Border Terrorism and Diplomatic Engagement
The action plan also highlights the need for a strategy to address cross-border terrorism, especially from Afghanistan. Once the federal government approves the Terms of Reference (TORs), a provincial delegation will engage with Afghan tribal elders for negotiations, aiming to reduce the influx of terrorist elements across the border. The KP government is also expected to push for increased diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan at the federal level.
Legal and Judicial Reforms
Legal reforms form another crucial aspect of the action plan. The KP government proposes the revival of the Preventive Magistracy System and the establishment of a more coordinated system between the police, judiciary, and district administration. Additionally, the government seeks to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, implement reforms in the criminal justice system, and introduce special trials for terrorism cases in anti-terrorism courts. Plans also include the creation of faceless courts to handle security-sensitive trials and the recruitment of additional staff to support prosecution efforts.
Intelligence Coordination and Community Engagement
A robust intelligence-sharing system will be developed, integrating local intelligence databases with those at the provincial and federal levels. Regular meetings will be held at various levels to ensure coordinated efforts between the Apex Committee, Steering Committee, and Intelligence Coordination Committees.
Public engagement is also a priority, with the action plan stressing the importance of involving local communities in security and development initiatives. This will help restore public confidence and ensure greater cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Provincial Action Plan provides a multifaceted approach to addressing terrorism, aiming to strengthen the state’s authority and improve security across the province. The plan’s success will depend on the effective implementation of its key components, including legal reforms, enhanced security infrastructure, and improved coordination between provincial and federal agencies.
