Past Successes in Countering Militancy
PESHAWAR — Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Gandapur, has warned that the province’s hard-won peace is facing renewed threats. In an exclusive interview with The News, Gandapur reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the significant progress made in weakening terrorist networks through coordinated efforts between the military, police, and local communities.
He recalled that during his government, terrorist groups were largely confined and could not operate freely in most districts. Several areas, particularly in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), including South and North Waziristan, Bajaur, and Tirah, were cleared of militants. Gandapur attributed this success to strong collaboration between security forces and local populations, which created a united front against extremist activity.
When I assumed office, terrorists were openly roaming large parts of the province, Gandapur said. Through persistent operations and community support, we were able to restore order and significantly reduce violence.
Renewed Security Concerns
Despite these achievements, Gandapur expressed concern over deteriorating security in certain areas. He warned that without timely and coordinated action, previous gains could be reversed. He specifically mentioned Khyber, Bajaur, and other districts where incidents of violence are reportedly on the rise.
He emphasized that maintaining peace requires continuous collaboration between security forces and local communities. Gandapur also noted the importance of careful communication with the public, suggesting that not every political development or incident needs to be immediately disclosed.
Tribal Conflicts and Local Resolutions
Gandapur highlighted his administration’s success in resolving a decades-old tribal and sectarian conflict in the Kurram district. This resolution reportedly ensured seven months of uninterrupted peace in the region, though violence later re-emerged after his tenure ended. He underlined that local engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms are crucial for long-term stability in tribal areas.
Drone Strikes and Political Challenges
The former chief minister referenced four drone strikes conducted during his tenure, noting that despite internal party criticism, the government maintained control over the security situation. In contrast, he criticized the current government for remaining largely silent in response to recent drone strikes, signaling gaps in strategy and public communication.
Call for Action
Gandapur concluded by urging renewed cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities to prevent a resurgence of militancy. He stressed that while KP has historically been resilient, sustained vigilance and strategic planning are essential to safeguard the province’s hard-earned stability.
