Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) must be stopped “at all costs,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He made the remarks during a meeting with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam in Islamabad. The prime minister also said the government wants K-P to develop like other parts of the country. His comments come amid a dispute between the federal government and the province over how to handle the security crisis.
Background: Terrorism in K-P and the Federal-Provincial Rift
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of Pakistan’s recent surge in militant violence. Arab News noted that the province has suffered repeated suicide bombings and attacks on security forces. Islamabad says the militants operate from sanctuaries across the Afghan border, a charge Kabul denies.
The security issue has become politically charged. The PTI governs K-P, while the federal government is led by a coalition headed by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Arab News described a widening dispute between the two sides over counterterrorism policy, at a time when PTI is marching toward Islamabad.
The remarks also follow a week of violence and operations. Security forces carried out several intelligence-based operations in the province in recent days, and Dawn reported that 13 terrorists were killed in a North Waziristan operation, according to state media. Police in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan also dealt with deadly incidents this week.
Details: What the Prime Minister Said
According to the PMO, matters relating to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were discussed in the meeting. Amir Muqam briefed the prime minister on the latest developments in AJK and G-B. The PM then turned to the situation in K-P.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the government wants K-P to develop in line with other parts of the country. He also said the government appreciates the sacrifices made by the people of the province in the fight against terrorism. The statement did not announce any new security measures.
On AJK and G-B, the prime minister directed that effective steps should continue to ensure welfare, development and basic facilities for their people. He said the development of the two regions and the prosperity of their residents are among the government’s priorities. The day before, Dawn reported, he had expressed dismay over “unfortunate events” in AJK in recent months, adding that the law had taken its course.
The Offer to PTI
Separately, on Tuesday, headlines from Tribune and ARY News reported that the prime minister again offered talks to PTI if it ended its march and sit-ins. Other reports said he criticised the long march, arguing that it could damage the economy and the country’s international standing. PTI has said its call for the march remains in place.
The two sides have not announced any agreement. How the talks proceed could affect both the political situation and the security debate in K-P. The federal government and the province are likely to keep trading arguments in the meantime.
Quotes: Official Statements
The PMO quoted the prime minister as saying that “rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped at all costs.” He added that the government values the sacrifices of the people of K-P. Most news reports led with this single line.
Arab News added context, noting that the statement came as the federal government and the opposition-led province disagree over the best way to tackle the security crisis. Provincial leaders have their own views on operations and policy. No immediate reply from the K-P government to the prime minister’s remarks was seen in the reports reviewed.
Impact: What the Statement Means
For K-P, the statement signals that the federal government considers the security situation a top concern. It also tries to strike a conciliatory note by praising the people’s sacrifices and promising development. Whether it leads to new action or better cooperation with the province is not yet clear.
For national politics, the prime minister’s words come as PTI continues its march and the two sides trade accusations. A security crisis in K-P can quickly become part of the wider political fight. Analysts often say that closer coordination between Islamabad and Peshawar is needed for any strategy to work.
At the regional level, the remarks reflect Pakistan’s position that groups based in Afghanistan are behind much of the violence. Relations with Kabul remain strained over this issue. Any progress will likely depend on both military action and diplomacy.
Conclusion: What Comes Next
The next steps will be watched closely. The federal and provincial governments may hold consultations on security, and the government’s offer to PTI may lead to talks or be rejected. Security forces are expected to continue operations in K-P.
The prime minister’s statement sets the tone, but results will depend on action. If the rift narrows, a joint approach to terrorism could emerge. If it widens, the security debate may get even more political.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan?
Shehbaz Sharif is commonly listed as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, taking office in April 2022 after Imran Khan was removed through a no-confidence vote. He served until August 2023, when a caretaker government took over, and he returned as prime minister in March 2024. Because caretaker prime ministers are sometimes counted and sometimes not, his second term is numbered differently in different sources. In short, the 23rd prime minister is Shehbaz Sharif, and he is also the current prime minister. For official numbering, check the National Assembly’s list of prime ministers.
What is the latest news on Shehbaz Sharif?
On Wednesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be stopped at all costs, during a meeting with Amir Muqam. He also said the government wants K-P to develop like other provinces and valued the sacrifices of its people. On Tuesday, he again offered talks to PTI if the party ended its long march and sit-ins, according to Tribune and ARY headlines. He also expressed dismay over events in AJK in recent months. Follow the PMO and official statements for updates.
How many times did Shehbaz Sharif become PM?
Shehbaz Sharif has been prime minister twice. His first term ran from April 2022 to August 2023, and his second began in March 2024 and continues. Before that, he served as chief minister of Punjab three times, in 1997 to 1999, 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018. He is the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister and a leading figure in the PML-N. Together, the brothers have shaped the party’s politics for decades. His personal life includes two marriages, to Nusrat Shehbaz and Tehmina Durrani, according to standard biographical sources.
Who are the players in the Pakistan national T20 cup squad for 2026?
I could not confirm a specific squad called the “national T20 Cup squad for 2026.” The National T20 Cup is a domestic tournament with regional teams, and its squads are named by the PCB and regional associations. If you mean the Pakistan national team, the latest T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series is led by Sahibzada Farhan, and the full list was announced on Monday. For domestic team lists, check the PCB’s official website.
