KP parties criticize counterterrorism policies in Pakistan’s security meeting

Political parties from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) — the province hardest hit by terrorism — have strongly opposed Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategies discussed during the closed-door meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in Parliament earlier this week.

They rejected past security policies, opposed new military operations, and called for a reassessment of the state’s approach to tackling terrorism.

The in-camera meeting, held at Parliament House on Tuesday, was convened to address the escalating threat of terrorism. Members of the National Assembly and Senate attended, but the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied parties under the Movement for the Protection of the Constitution boycotted the session. The Sunni Ittehad Council, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, and Balochistan National Party also abstained.

Dissent from political leaders

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Awami National Party (ANP) head Aimal Wali Khan both attended and expressed strong reservations about the government’s policies. After the meeting, their parties issued statements criticizing Pakistan’s handling of terrorism and security.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in his statement, questioned the contradictions in state policies.

"You talk about dialogue with other neighbors, but your policy towards Afghanistan is completely different," the JUI-F statement said. "For 20 years, you have carried out operation after operation, but terrorism has only increased. How can the nation trust you?"

He criticized past government decisions, including the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into KP without local consultation. He claimed the state had discriminated against religious groups in KP and Balochistan under the National Action Plan.

"You want to keep religious scholars and institutions as your opponents under a deliberate plan," the statement alleged. "You displaced people in your own country in the name of security operations, destroyed their homes and villages, and then failed to compensate them. Why should they trust you now?"

"If one faction of the establishment attempts to absolve itself by shifting blame onto another, it is unlikely to satisfy the nation.

"The establishment's approach alone is insufficient in shaping national policies. Without incorporating political and economic perspectives, it cannot be considered true national thinking. Moreover, merely securing support for a one-sided agenda and its unilateral implementation cannot substitute for national consensus," the JUI stated.

ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan called for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address past mistakes and compensate victims of counterterrorism operations.

"Our elders warned the state about supporting militant groups in the past, but they were labelled as traitors and enemies of the state," he said. "Now, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. Without immediate and decisive steps, the situation will spiral out of control."

The ANP rejected any new military operation, insisting that the state must fully implement the National Action Plan. Khan said private wars had turned KP into a hub for armed groups and extremist ideologies, and that political forces should be given a lead role in counterterrorism efforts.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also voiced concerns, criticizing what he called "baseless" cases against PTI leaders and questioning the effectiveness of past counterterrorism measures.

PTI calls for stability before counterterrorism efforts

While PTI boycotted the meeting, its political committee later issued a statement reiterating the party’s stance against violence.

"The fight against terrorism is a serious and complex issue that demands intelligence and strategy," PTI’s statement said. "Launching new military operations inside the country or along the borders without internal stability will only worsen the situation."

PTI stressed that political stability, rule of law, and democracy were essential before tackling security threats. It warned against dividing political forces into "favorites" and "opponents," saying national unity was crucial in counterterrorism efforts.

Analysts criticize NSC statement as 'vague'

Security analysts and journalists have called the NSC’s final statement unclear and lacking in concrete action.

"The statement issued does not clarify any specific steps for tackling security challenges in KP and Balochistan," said senior journalist Arifa Noor. "Public sentiment in KP is strongly against large-scale military operations. How will the government address these concerns?"

She pointed out that previous counterterrorism operations were aimed at reclaiming territory from militant groups, but the current threat was different.

"Today, groups like the TTP and Baloch insurgents do not hold territory. The government must rethink its strategy and address the root causes of extremism," she added.

Journalist Iftikhar Hussain Shirazi echoed these concerns, calling the NSC’s approach incomplete.

"The statement lacks a clear policy direction. It seems that both the civilian and military leadership had not done their homework before the meeting," he said. "Instead of presenting a concrete plan, they only emphasized national consensus."

Shirazi added that excluding the PTI and other key opposition groups from the discussion sent a negative message.

"PTI simply asked to meet their leader before presenting their stance, yet they were sidelined," he said. "The absence of major opposition parties from the meeting weakens the legitimacy of any security strategy."

Analysts warned that without a clear roadmap, the debate over counterterrorism would remain unresolved. Some suggested that the government should hold wider consultations, including political and civil society groups, to build consensus before launching any new operations.

With key political players opposing further military action, Pakistan’s leadership faces a difficult challenge in shaping its security policy. The demand for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, greater political inclusion, and a shift in approach may force Islamabad to reconsider its counterterrorism strategy.