PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a joint resolution against potential military action in parts of Khyber and Bannu districts.

The resolution, tabled by MPA Abdul Ghani of the treasury benches and Adnan Khan of the opposition Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl during a session chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, insisted that as terrorism had affected the province, another military operation was being planned for Tirah valley in Khyber tribal district and Janikhel and Bakakhel areas in Bannu district.

It added that the military offensive offered no solution to the security issue, as multiple operations, carried out in the past, didn’t deliver the goods.

The resolution advocated for the resolution of issues through talks.

Advocates for dialogue to resolve issues

“The assembly recommends that the provincial government ask the federal government not to carry out any military operation in Tirah, Bakakhel and Janikhel so that poor people don’t leave their homes,” the resolution read.

It added that after displacement due to a military operation, the residents, especially children, women and the elderly, would suffer.

The speaker said the house should discuss whether the potential military offensive would resolve the law and order issue or increase “anarchy” in the region.

He questioned the outcome of the previous military operations against terrorists and insisted that if people’s elected members opposed such actions but institutions pursued them, it would have a negative impact and undermine trust.

Member of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party Ahmad Karim Kundi warned that the use of force often worsened the situation, especially because KP’s dynamics were totally different from other provinces.

He proposed that a day be reserved in the house to discuss whether the previous military operations achieved objectives and identify those who brought armed men back.

Mr Kundi also called for pointing out “compromised people” within political parties and institutions.

JUI-F member Adnan Khan complained about the poor law and order situation in the province and warned that violence would spread to the entire province.

He flayed “shelling by a gunship helicopter” in his village after a security check post was attacked.

The opposition member also condemned firing at unarmed marches in Islamabad’s D-Chowk.

“It hurts when unarmed people are targeted, whether in our areas or at D-Chowk,” he said, opposing those taking up arms against the state.

Mr Khan complained about a trust deficit among people, parliament and other institutions and demanded corrective measures.

The house also unanimously passed another resolution, tabled by Ahmad Karim Kundi, calling for the revival of student unions in universities.

MPA Shafiullah Jan accused Islamabad police of “mistreating and profiling” Pakhtuns in particular and KP residents in general.

The assembly adopted his resolution, which urged the federal government to address injustice by Islamabad police against Pakhtuns.

Ehsanullah Khan of the PPP said his party didn’t support firing at unarmed people. He accused the PTI leadership of using its workers for violent protests.

The speaker said he hoped that the provincial government would hold a multiparty conference to address issues facing Pakhtuns and the country.

He warned if that didn’t happen, then the assembly would organise that moot on its premises.

Mr Swati said the institutions, which considered themselves wise enough to steer the country, had proved to be failures in the past.

Earlier, MPA Sajjad Khan complained that the main road in Kohistan region had been closed for the last four days over disputes between locals and the Water and Power Development Authority, but the provincial government had yet to intervene to the relief of travellers.

He accused Wapda of repeated breaches of agreements and called for the formation of a committee to address the issue.

Mr Khansaid a local jirga raised voice for people’s rights, prompting the district administration to impose Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order in the region to “create unrest and pick up people.”

He requested the chair to form a committee comprising local MPAs and a cabinet member to address the issue.

Special assistant to the chief minister on communication and works Sohail Afridi said everyone should limit themselves to their constitutional roles.

He declared MPO and Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations black laws and demanded their abolition.

Mr Afridi said all laws, implemented during the ANP-PPP government between 2008 and 2013, would be done away with.

Higher education minister Meena Khan Afridi proposed that a house committee should propose legislation to abolish MPO and Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations.

Member of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party Ahmad Karim Kundi said the Constitution would only be implemented when the house was paid attention instead of taking to the streets.

“If we can resolve the issue involving the banned PTM, this issue can also be sorted out,” he said, demanding the formation ofa house committee to address all draconian laws.

The speaker announced plans for a special discussion involving MPAs, saying MPO is protected under Article 270 of the Constitution.

The house also passed the KP Universities Amendment Bill, 2024, which was introduced by higher education minister Meena Khan Afridi.

The chair later adjourned the session until 2pm next Monday.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2024