PM Sharif pledges to preserve peace in Pakistan's restive northwestern province ‘at all costs'
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday vowed to preserve peace in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province 'at all costs,' praising the sacrifices of its people and calling for unity against what he described as Indian-backed militant threats.
Sharif made the remarks during a visit to Peshawar, where he addressed a Grand Jirga of tribal elders alongside the country's army chief and top federal ministers. The visit took place amid a resurgence in militant attacks in the region bordering Afghanistan and growing concern over cross-border threats.
'The sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are indelibly inscribed in the annals of our national history,' the prime minister said during his address. 'The entire nation salutes your courage, resolve and unwavering commitment.'
He urged tribal elders to stand firm against what he called the 'Indian-sponsored Fitna-ul-Khawarij,' a term used by Pakistani authorities for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who they believe are ideologically extremist and backed by foreign actors.
'Peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shall be preserved at all costs,' he said. 'The Pakistan Army, in unison with all security institutions and the valiant people of the province, stands firmly united against the Fitna-ul-Khawarij and its foreign abettors.'
Sharif also called for improved bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan and said Afghan soil must not be used by Indian proxies to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan.
During the jirga, Sharif also addressed financial concerns raised by provincial authorities regarding development funding. He confirmed that a committee had already been formed to review the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, a constitutional mechanism for the distribution of financial resources between the federal government and provinces.
'The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had raised the matter of revisiting the NFC around six weeks ago in Islamabad,' Sharif said. 'We immediately formed a committee and provincial nominees have been finalized. The first meeting will be held in August.'
Sharif also praised the youth of the province, calling them a vital national asset and encouraging them to contribute to peace and national cohesion.
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