Peshawar:Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, strongly criticized the federal government for what he described as its “apathy” toward the critical issue of terrorism. Speaking to reporters, he said the federal government’s lack of urgency in addressing terrorism was both “alarming and condemnable.”
Dr. Saif argued that flawed policies by what he termed a “fake government” have resulted in daily funerals in the province, with innocent citizens, women, and children becoming frequent victims of militant attacks. He emphasized that terrorism remains one of the most pressing issues in Pakistan and requires coordinated efforts rather than political indifference.
Highlighting the regional dimension of the issue, the adviser stressed that dialogue with Afghanistan is unavoidable if terrorism is to be eradicated. However, he lamented that the federal government is neither engaging with Kabul itself nor allowing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to do so.
He further noted that Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has already initiated serious steps for peace and stability, including the hosting of tribal jirgas at the Chief Minister’s House to build consensus on tackling militancy. “The chief minister’s efforts reflect a genuine commitment to restoring law and order, and the federation must extend full support,” he said.
Dr. Saif accused the federal government of politicizing the issue, claiming it was undermining the chief minister’s sincere attempts for peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Instead of supporting the province in its fight against terrorism, the federal government is engaged in political maneuvering,” he remarked.
Analysts warn that growing mistrust between the center and the province could further complicate Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy. Dr. Saif’s remarks underscore the need for a unified national approach to a challenge that continues to claim innocent lives.
