Youth empowerment, community development key to peace: KP CS

Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, chaired a review meeting on Provincial Action Plan (PAP).

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Abid Majeed, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Muhammad Javed Marwat, Administrative Secretaries, senior officials of the Home Department, Police, representatives of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Anti-Narcotics Force, and other provincial and federal institutions. Commissioners, Regional Police Officers, Deputy Commissioners, and District Police Officers also joined via video link.

The Chief Secretary conducted a detailed review of the progress on PAP implementation by provincial departments, divisional and district administrations, LEAs, and federal institutions.

A comprehensive progress briefing was presented by ACS (Home), followed by in-depth discussions on challenges, gaps, and practical suggestions for improving execution.
Addressing the participants, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stressed the need for a whole-of-system approach for effective implementation of the PAP.

He said that militancy cannot be addressed by law enforcement agencies alone, adding that civil society and institutions must also support the national cause, particularly in eliminating the militants’ support structures. He directed all departments and field formations to identify and neutralize any such support structures without delay.

Highlighting the crucial role of public support in countering militancy, the Chief Secretary noted that communities have shown a strong support for peace endeavors, as demonstrated by Aman Jirgas and active cooperation with law enforcement agencies in areas such as Bajaur and Dir.

He stated that the situation in these districts was brought under control through strong community backing, thereby avoiding collateral damage. However, he pointed out that there are challenges in few southern and Merged Districts that must be addressed through stronger administrative and public trust-building measures.

The Chief Secretary reiterated that strengthening of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and establishment of effective security mechanisms over the past year have significantly enhanced the province’s ability to respond to security threats. “With the effective implementation of PAP, we are confident that peace and stability will be restored across the province,” he remarked.

He further emphasized that law and order remains the top priority of the provincial government. To this end, significant resources and public funds have been allocated to strengthen the police, enhance Safe City initiatives, and improve security infrastructure.
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The Chief Secretary also directed all relevant institutions to expedite the execution of development projects in vulnerable areas, stressing that community-driven development is vital for sustaining peace. He highlighted the urgent need to improve road infrastructure to ensure functional trade routes and called for greater investment in youth skill development and employment generation.

Concluding the meeting, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah urged all departments and administration to intensify their efforts, maintain strict monitoring of progress, and ensure firm, coordinated implementation of the PAP.