KOHAT/DI KHAN: The law enforcement agencies and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were on the same page to foil the nefarious designs of anti-social elements who wanted to weaken the state.

This was stated by Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz and Inspector General of Police Sanaullah Abbasi while addressing a traditional joint jirga of Shia and Sunni elders at the Commissioner House in Kohat on Friday.

They said that the paramilitary force had been deployed for peaceful Muharram in view of the geographical sensitivity of Kohat division. They appealed to the mourners to strictly follow the Covid- 19 SOPs during their gatherings and processions as the threat was not over yet.

Later, talking to journalists they said the help of the army had been sought in the decision making while close coordination would be kept among all the law enforcing and intelligence agencies.

Mr Niaz and Mr Abbasi also chaired a meeting at the Commissioner House and reviewed security arrangements in Kohat division for Muharram. They were apprised of the foolproof arrangements to face any untoward incident in the most sensitive Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai and Kurram districts.

CS, IGP address jirgas in Kohat, DI Khan

In Dera Ismail Khan, the chief secretary said that the people will show the same exemplary solidarity and cooperation with the administration during Muharram which they exhibited in combating coronavirus. He also appreciated the role of religious scholars in maintaining peace in the area.

He was addressing a jirga of Sunni and Shia clerics, elders and administrative officers belonging to Dera Ismail Khan division at the Commissioner House here on Thursday evening.

Police chief Sanaullah Abbasi, home secretary Ikramullah Khan and commissioner Dera division Yahya Akhunzada were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the jirga, the chief secretary said that people of Dera Ismail Khan deserved greetings for their exemplary cooperation with the administration as they always faced difficult situations with utmost courage.

However, he said they needed to be vigilant so that anti-state elements did not take advantage of any weakness on their part. He showed satisfaction that all the stakeholders, including the administration, Pakistan Army and the people, were on one page.

He hoped that people, especially scholars from all schools of thought, would show unity for promotion of peace and harmony.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2020