Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has announced that the government has prepared a comprehensive counterterrorism plan for 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa severely affected by terrorism, assuring that residents will not be forced to leave their homes.
Under the proposed strategy, security agencies will conduct intelligence-based operations against terrorists while taking measures to protect local communities and minimise disruption to daily life. According to the minister, the plan aims to improve the law-and-order situation, eliminate terrorist threats and safeguard the lives and property of residents in the affected areas.
He emphasised that counterterrorism efforts would focus on targeted operations based on intelligence regarding terrorist activities and networks, rather than forcing local populations to relocate.
12 terrorism-affected districts
The districts covered under the plan include Kurram, Upper and Lower South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
These districts have faced security challenges linked to terrorism, making the restoration of peace and protection of local communities key priorities for the government.
Focus on public safety and normal life
The proposed strategy aims to enable security agencies to target terrorist elements while minimising risks to civilians. Protecting homes, businesses and livelihoods, as well as maintaining access to education, healthcare and other essential services, will remain important considerations.
Effective coordination among security agencies and local administrations will be crucial to implementing the plan and maintaining stability in the affected districts.
However, further details regarding the implementation of the strategy, its timeline, and specific measures to protect residents have yet to be outlined. The government’s key challenge will be to improve security, curb terrorist activities and restore lasting peace without forcing local communities to abandon their homes.