Pakistan's multi-party moot calls for action on terrorism crisis in northwestern province

The all parties conference (APC) held on Thursday to address the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan's northwestern province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), expressed serious concerns over the increasing lawlessness in the region.

The high-level security meeting, called by the federally appointed KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, brought together 70 representatives from 16 political parties and tribal districts at the Governor House in Peshawar. The conference highlighted the failure of both the federal and provincial governments to maintain order.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which leads the opposition in the country's federal parliament while governing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), notably boycotted the conference. This absence sparked strong criticism from other political leaders, who saw it as prioritizing political confrontation over addressing the urgent security challenges facing the region.

APC's demands

Governor Kundi, who convened and hosted the conference, announced a 14-point joint declaration at the conclusion of the APC.

In its declaration, the APC highlighted increased unrest in the province over the past year, revealing that more than 70 security personnel have lost their lives in just the last month, while over 200 civilians have fallen victim to clashes in Kurram.

The declaration demanded immediate steps to audit the performance of the provincial government, stop Pashtun profiling in other provinces and Islamabad, and convene a session of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) as per the constitution (Article 154 mandates holding a CCI meeting every 90 days).

"All historical trade routes of the Pak-Afghan border should be opened immediately for all types of trade," the declaration stated.

The declaration of the APC also reads, "The 7th NFC Award has become ineffective for more than two years, so it should be released immediately, and 3% of the amount due should be released to erstwhile FATA [Federally Administrated Tribal Areas] as per the recommendations of the Sartaj Aziz Committee."

The APC also urged the federal government to ensure the supply of gas to the people of the province on a priority basis according to Article 158, and to pay net hydel profit (NHP) and federal excise duty on oil to KP as per Article 161 of the Constitution.

Federal Minister Amir Muqam, while speaking to Nukta, said that before giving more rights and share, the KP government should conduct an audit on where the already given shares and funds were spent because the provincial resources are being spent on political agitation.

However, he welcomed the KP Governor's initiative to hold the APC on security and rights of the province, terming it a positive development.

The Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Democratic Movement (NDM) and representatives of all other parties also appreciated the governor's move for calling the APC, believing it would help in resolving problems of KP.

Criticism over PTI's absence

The PTI's decision to boycott the moot drew strong criticism from several leaders at the conference.

Governor Kundi, while speaking to Nukta, stated that PTI's boycott is a clear indication of their preference for chaos over cooperation, accusing the provincial government of having abandoned KP to militant elements while prioritizing their focus on Islamabad.

Addressing the APC, Muqam lamented that the KP Chief Minister should have taken the initiative, but instead, he was focused on agitation politics and sit-ins, which serve no purpose for the people.

NDM Chairman Mohsin Dawar emphasized that PTI should have participated in this important conference, especially since the Governor had previously attended the jirga convened by the KP Chief Minister. He referred to a jirga held on October 12, which focused on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement gathering.

Looking ahead

Governor Kundi confirmed that a political committee including the members of the conference will be formed which will later meet the President, Prime Minister, and other stakeholders to put forward the demands and recommendations of the APC.

Provincial President of ANP Mian Iftikhar Hussain also expressed hope that the federal government will seriously consider the proposals of the APC and will not leave the province at the mercy of PTI alone.

"All political parties can pressure the federal government to address the problems faced by the province. However, if the government and parties lack sincerity in advocating for changes to the national security policy by the military, this will all be a fruitless exercise," said Dawar.

'Absent' PTI on APC

PTI leader and Adviser to CM KP on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif termed the APC as 'unconstitutional' and a political point-scoring meeting.

"The governor's APC concluded on a point that after the 18th amendment, the power rests with the CM. Why did they call the APC when the power rests with the CM?" he questioned.

Barrister Saif stated that there is no need to form committees; instead, Kundi and Amir Muqam should directly approach the federal government to secure the rights of the province's people.

"If the province does not receive its rightful share, demand answers from the Prime Minister and President. However, the Governor and Amir Muqam remain silent on the province's rights for the sake of their positions," he alleged.

*Reporting by Kamran Ali