PM Shehbaz pays tribute to KP's sacrifices, vows to root out terrorism through collective efforts

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep admiration for the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), security forces, doctors, engineers, students, and ordinary citizens in the battle against terrorism.

He said their relentless efforts laid the foundation for the elimination of terrorism by 2018.

Addressing the participants of the KP National Workshop in Islamabad, he recalled that nearly 100,000 Pakistanis—including soldiers, police, Rangers, and innocent civilians—gave their lives to confront extremism.

The prime minister described the horrific Army Public School (APS) Peshawar attack as a defining moment for the nation, after which the political leadership and armed forces, under former premier Nawaz Sharif, agreed that no differentiation should be made between “good” and “bad” militants.

PM Shehbaz regretted that certain flawed decisions after 2018, such as the release of hardened militants and allowing thousands of individuals to return from Afghanistan, contributed to the resurgence of terrorism.

He warned that militancy remains a grave threat to peace, development, and prosperity, especially in KP, where security personnel continue to sacrifice their lives daily to protect the country’s future.

The premier strongly condemned efforts on social media to malign martyrs and spread propaganda aligned with the agendas of Pakistan’s enemies.

“This nation will not rest until terrorism and its supporters, whether inside or outside Pakistan, are completely eradicated,” he affirmed.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the federal government’s support for the provinces, recalling that under the 2010 NFC Award, all provinces agreed to allocate one percent of the divisible pool to KP as recognition for its sacrifices.

Over the past 15 years, this allocation has totaled around Rs800 billion to strengthen counter-terrorism and development efforts in the province.

Similarly, Balochistan received a 100 percent increase in its share of resources, while Punjab voluntarily reduced part of its allocation to assist other regions.

PM Shehbaz stressed that national progress is meaningful only when all provinces grow together.

He announced Rs400 billion for the 850-kilometre “bloody road” project from Karachi to Chaman in Balochistan, fully funded by the federal government.

The premier also noted initiatives such as solar power projects in Balochistan, expansion of Danish schools in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, merit-based laptop schemes, education endowment funds, and the training of 1,000 agriculture graduates from across Pakistan in leading Chinese universities.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful and friendly relations with Afghanistan, acknowledging the country’s decades-long hospitality toward Afghan refugees.

At the same time, he voiced serious concern over successive Afghan governments failing to honour their commitments under the Doha Agreement to prevent terrorist activities on their soil, leaving Pakistan with no choice but to safeguard its citizens.

Responding to questions, PM Shehbaz rejected claims of conflict between the federal and KP governments, emphasizing that he personally reached out to the KP chief minister and remains fully committed to the province’s development.

He also announced the revival of the Prime Minister Health Card programme, which will provide free medical treatment worth Rs40 billion in Islamabad, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Following an emotional appeal from a differently-abled survivor of terrorism, the prime minister approved the establishment of a dedicated disability complex for victims of terrorist attacks.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism, strengthen the economy, and advance through diligence, integrity, and teamwork.

“InshaAllah, the day is not far when Pakistan will reclaim its rightful place among the world’s respected nations,” the premier asserted.