No favour in anti-encroachment drive in KP: Samar Bilour

PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement, Samar Haroon Bilour has said that no individual or organisation will be given preferential treatment in action against encroachments and that government land will be protected without discrimination.
She was speaking in an interview with a private television channel here on Saturday .
Ms Bilour said the law and order situation in the province had improved, although the threat of terrorism persisted.
She attributed the improvement to enhanced police patrolling and better coordination between police and security forces.
Regarding police security arrangements, she said that about 5,000 to 6,000 personnel, out of nearly 10,000 deployed on private security duties, had been recalled to police lines for redeployment.
She added that the remaining cases were being reviewed individually, keeping in view genuine security threats faced by political and religious leaders.
Discussing the Sehat Card programme, Ms Bilour described it as a vital initiative, particularly for low-income and lower-middle-income families.
However, she raised concerns over alleged corruption, influence of vested interests, preferential treatment in procurement processes, and alleged commissions and kickbacks. She emphasised that transparency, accountability and merit must be ensured in the programme.
She made it clear that action against illegal occupation of state land must be taken impartially and without discrimination on the basis of political affiliation or influence.
She said it was unrealistic to expect problems accumulated over 13 years to be resolved within 13 days or a few weeks. Nevertheless, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to introduce reforms and take practical measures to improve governance.
Highlighting the importance of public participation in maintaining peace, she said Area Representative and Development Councils were providing a platform for local consultation and facilitating intelligence-based operations.
She added that providing young people with access to education, employment and development opportunities was essential to preventing their involvement in militancy.
She also confirmed that Pakistan’s national flag had been hoisted on government buildings and offices in the relevant areas.
Commenting on Pakistan-Afghanistan trade relations, Ms Bilour said normal trade activities could not continue while terrorist attacks were being carried out against Pakistan and its sovereignty was being challenged.
She urged the Afghan authorities not to allow their territory to be used by militants or provide them with shelter.
She maintained that restoration of trade routes depended on addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and ensuring practical cooperation from Afghanistan.