PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said that the Pakistan Army would continue to play its role in ensuring peace and stability in KP to provide a secure environment for economic development.

During a meeting of the apex committee here, the COAS also said that efforts for peace and prosperity in the country had to be synergised.

Gen Munir was briefed about the overall security situation in the province as well as the crackdown on smuggling and hoarding of essential goods and drug trafficking, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing ISPR.

The statement added that the meeting, which was attended by caretaker provincial Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan among others, affirmed that state institutions and people were united for the protection of public life and property.

Gen Munir also meets participants of women symposium

The participants paid tribute to the martyrs and their families.

During the visit, General Munir also held an interactive session with participants of the ‘KP Women Symposium–2023’ and said that women had played a positive and an important role in the progress of the country.

He also said that women’s role in the country’s progress and development was quintessential and most important.

“Women of KP continued to face multifaceted challenges due to the prolonged fight against terrorism. However, they have proven their resilience, commitment and bravery at the face of all odds,” the statement quoted the COAS as saying.

Gen Munir encouraged women to take part in the progress and development of the province, including the newly-merged tribal districts.

On arrival, the COAS was received by Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat Khan.

In its last meeting on Sept 14 in the provincial capital with Chief Minister Azam Khan in the chair, the apex committee decided to “effectively counter all activities supporting militancy in the province.”

It also decided about the collection of the data of Afghan citizens living illegally in the province as well as the launch of a crackdown on illegal mobile Sim cards, explosive materials, extortion, illegal hawala-hundi trade, unlicensed arms, smuggling of drugs, and other unlawful activities.

The committee also ordered action against social media accounts spreading hatred against the state, according to a statement issued by the chief minister’s secretariat.

“Spreading hatred against state institutions on social media is intolerable. Effective actions should be taken against such elements,” the statement quoted Mr Khan as saying.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023