Pakistan’s prime minister discussed security in the province with federal minister Amir Muqam; the meeting also covered development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped “at any cost.” He made the remarks at a meeting in Islamabad with federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, according to Dawn, citing the prime minister’s office.
The prime minister also said the government wanted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to develop alongside other parts of the country and praised the sacrifices made by its residents in the fight against terrorism. Muqam briefed Sharif on current affairs and progress in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Sharif directed that measures to support residents’ welfare, development and access to basic services continue.
Dawn cited data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showing 54 terrorist attacks in the province in August, excluding the merged districts, compared with 36 in July, a 50% increase. The newspaper also reported two security operations in North Waziristan: five suspected militants were killed on Tuesday and seven more on Oct. 2. The figures and operation details are attributed to Pakistani sources.