PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Friday voiced concern about the ‘deteriorating’ law and order situation in the province and directed the relevant departments to make coordinated efforts to improve it.

He issued directions while chairing a meeting here.

Chief secretary Dr Shahzad Khan Bangash, police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari, home secretary Khushal Khan and other officials were also present at the occasion, said a statement issued here.

The meeting also decided to strengthen the counter-terrorism department and extend it to the district level.

It agreed to constitute a joint forum of all stakeholders to ensure integrated efforts to control the deteriorating situation of the law and order in the province through an effective mechanism of coordination and liaison among the relevant civil and military entities.

Orders relevant depts to make coordinated efforts for peace

The forum also decided to immediately set up a special cell under the CTD to effectively check the incidents of extortion in the province.

On the occasion, the relevant authorities were directed to take steps for public awareness regarding the cell.

The meeting decided to have an effective mechanism against miscreants and their facilitators and abettors.

It also decided that an effective strategy would be evolved at the provincial level in light of the recommendations of the National Action Plan.

The meeting also discussed the matters pertaining to improve criminal justice system and to update the existing system of prosecution and investigations in accordance with the needs of modern era.

Similarly, the relevant authorities were directed to review security plan of the ongoing mega developmental projects in the province and to take necessary steps to further tighten the security.

The meeting also stressed the need for engaging the local communities, religious leaders and media to eliminate the incidents of militancy on sustainable basis directing the relevant authorities to formulate a mechanism for the purpose.

Addressing participants, the chief minister directed all relevant authorities to present a report about the progress on the tasks assigned to them in the next meeting.

The chief minister directed the relevant quarters to immediately provide the required funds to the CTD to improve its capacity and extend it to the grassroots level.

He said the police should take result-oriented action against drug dealers and land grabbers in the province.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2022