Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday confirmed that a “targeted military” operation to eliminate terrorists in Bajaur was underway, but stopped short of endorsing it.
Chairing a provincial cabinet meeting in the metropolis, the chief minister, however, opposed the forced displacement of civilians from areas affected by the recent surge in terror activities.
“Operations and forced displacement of civilians are not my government’s policy,” he told his cabinet colleagues while briefing them on the law-and-order situation in the province.
His remarks came a day after media reports said security forces, reportedly assisted by helicopter gunships and artillery, pounded terrorist hideouts in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils, located about 20km from Khar, the district headquarters.
No loss of life was reported on the first day of the operation, which continued until sunset. The offensive, codenamed Operation Sarbakaf, was initially launched on July 29 but was postponed the next day after peace talks between the Bajaur Amn Jirga and local terrorist commanders made some headway.
However, negotiations for relocating terrorists to Afghanistan collapsed last week due to a stalemate over certain issues.
The chief minister categorically stated that the provincial government had not authorised any such operation. It is worth noting that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan had instructed the provincial chief executive to oppose any form of military operation “tooth and nail”.
Addressing the situation in Bajaur, the chief minister said that following the collapse of negotiations, “the authorities concerned are now conducting targeted actions”. To safeguard residents, Section 144 has been imposed in the affected areas, he added.
The chief minister condemned anti-state elements attempting to destabilise the country, reiterating that terrorism was “unequivocally unacceptable” as it affected all citizens equally.
He highlighted the provincial government’s proactive strategy, beginning with the establishment of jirgas to build public trust and enlist community support in combating terrorism.
The chief minister informed the cabinet that the federal government had expressed willingness to engage in negotiations with Afghanistan. “The provincial government is currently preparing its groundwork in this regard,” he said.
