CM-KP meets martyrs’ families in Swat, orders enhanced security measures

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi visited District Swat, where he met the families of those who lost their lives in the recent blast and offered Fateha for the departed souls.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the chief minister paid tribute to the martyrs and said those who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of KP were a source of pride for the entire nation. He said their sacrifices would always be remembered.
During the visit, the chief minister also visited Saidu Teaching Hospital, where he inquired about the health of police personnel and civilians injured in the blast. He prayed for their speedy recovery and directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment without any delay.
Later, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Swat. The meeting was briefed on the recent blast, the prevailing law and order situation and ongoing operations against terrorist elements.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said protection of the lives and property of citizens was the government’s foremost responsibility and no negligence or complacency would be tolerated. He directed relevant institutions to utilise all available resources to strengthen security, intensify operations against militants and improve measures for public protection.
Talking to media persons, the chief minister paid tribute to the people of Malakand Division for their courage and resilience, saying they had rejected policies that endangered peace in the region.
He said the provincial government had continuously strengthened the operational capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) by providing modern equipment and resources. He added that more than Rs35 billion had already been allocated for improving the capacity and infrastructure of police and CTD, while an additional Rs20 billion had been earmarked in the current provincial budget.
Sohail Afridi said sustainable development could not be achieved without peace and reiterated that his government was committed to restoring lasting security in KP.
He said the provincial government would continue to prioritise the interests of the people and would take every possible step to protect their lives and property. He expressed confidence that peace would ultimately prevail through the combined efforts of the police and the people of the province. Paying tribute to the KP Police for their sacrifices during the past 22 years in the fight against terrorism, the chief minister said the force had demonstrated professionalism, courage and commitment despite facing major challenges.
He stressed the need for effective coordination among institutions, saying that security policies should consider the ground realities faced by the people and law enforcement agencies of KP.