Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has accepted all the demands put forth by the Bannu Aman Jirga in a recent meeting, according to sources reported by Geo News on Wednesday. These demands will be presented at the apex committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow, where the terms of reference (ToRs) for the formation of a commission to investigate the Bannu incident will also be discussed.
The apex committee meeting will include key figures such as the KP chief secretary, additional secretary for home affairs, Corps Commander Peshawar, KP Inspector General (IG), and other senior officials. The gathering aims to address the jirga’s concerns and strategize on the next steps.
During the meeting held late Monday, CM Gandapur addressed the jirga members’ queries and provided updates on various issues. The jirga’s key demands included dismantling armed groups operating in the province, empowering the police with enhanced patrol capabilities, allowing the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to conduct search operations independently of the military, and presenting missing persons before the courts.
Gandapur clarified that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had explained the nature of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — a new counterterrorism drive launched in response to recent terrorist attacks. According to Gandapur, the ISPR made it clear that Azm-e-Istehkam is “not an operation but a strategy” aimed at combating terrorism and extremism. This clarification was important in addressing concerns raised by various political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Awami National Party (ANP), and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), who had expressed reservations about the new initiative and called for parliamentary oversight.
ISPR Director-General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated in a press conference that Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy rather than a traditional military operation. This approach aims to integrate various counterterrorism efforts rather than relying solely on military tactics.
In response to the jirga’s demands, Gandapur outlined that the KP police and the CTD would lead search operations with support from security forces as necessary. Additionally, the provincial police would increase patrolling duties and take action against armed individuals. To strengthen these efforts, the government is bolstering the police and CTD in Bannu by opening new recruitment opportunities and providing additional vehicles.
Gandapur also assured the Bannu Aman Jirga that Jumma Khan Road, which had been closed following recent unrest, would be reopened for public use soon.
Adviser to KP CM on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that the apex committee is an independent body responsible for making decisions related to national security. He assured that measures would be taken not only to address the Bannu incident but also to combat terrorism across the province.
The Bannu Aman March, which was intended as a peace demonstration, turned violent last week, resulting in the death of at least one person and injuries to 22 others. The DG ISPR detailed that armed individuals among the marchers opened fire, leading to the casualties. In response, the military followed its standard operating procedures (SOPs), which include issuing warnings before taking action against “anarchist groups” approaching military installations.
The DG ISPR also pointed out that the incident quickly garnered attention on social media, highlighting the role of “digital terrorists” in supporting ground-level terrorism. This development underscores the increasing challenges of countering both physical and digital forms of terrorism.
As the situation continues to evolve, the upcoming apex committee meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the province’s counterterrorism strategy and addressing the concerns raised by local leaders and the public.
