PM Shehbaz chairs jirga on peace, security in Peshawar

Peshawar: Addressing a Jirga on law and order in Peshawar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the gathering was convened to discuss peace and security in the region.

Participants included Field Marshal Asim Munir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, along with other political and military leaders and tribal elders.

In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended greetings to the participants, stating, “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a great and beautiful province with brave, honorable, and proud people.”

He said the people of KP supported Pakistan in 1947 and have always raised the national flag high. “You have consistently defended Pakistan with strength and courage,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that the sacrifices of the people of KP will never be forgotten and praised their unity in standing with Pakistan, regardless of disagreements. “I have come here to wholeheartedly appreciate you,” he said.

Shehbaz Sharif stated that when the historian writes Pakistan's history, the 77-year-long struggle and sacrifices of KP’s people will be remembered in golden words.

He recalled the 2016 APS (Army Public School) tragedy, highlighting how brutally children and teachers—many of them children of soldiers—were martyred. He said a thoughtful decision was made in a meeting in Peshawar following the attack, and what followed is known to everyone.

Referring to comments made by the tribal elders, the Prime Minister said their concerns must be taken seriously, and decisions should be made through mutual consultation. He also acknowledged Ali Amin Gandapur's point regarding the NFC Award, noting that it has been 15 years and now needs to be reviewed.

Shehbaz Sharif announced the formation of a committee to review KP’s share in the NFC Award, and said the first meeting on the NFC would be convened in August.

He added that under the 2010 NFC Award, all provinces had agreed to allocate 1% of resources for KP to fight terrorism, and Rs700 billion has been given to the province under that head over the years. He affirmed that this support would continue until terrorism is eliminated.

PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that KP has been—and still is—the frontline province in the war against terrorism. While Balochistan also faced terrorist incidents, it was not included for special funding under the NFC to combat terrorism, he noted.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that Ali Amin Gandapur's other demands would also be reviewed, and just like the NFC committee, another committee would be formed to address those issues.