PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Monday expressed serious concern over the worsening law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the provincial government and all relevant stakeholders to play their role in restoration of peace.

Speaking to the media and party workers at Watan Kor here, Mr Sherpao said the ongoing wave of unrest and insecurity in the province required a comprehensive and coordinated response.

He stressed the need for full implementation of the National Action Plan and called for focused efforts to normalise relations with Afghanistan to ensure lasting peace.

“Peace restoration is primarily the domain of the provincial government, but unfortunately, the PTI-led administration appears more focused on securing the release of its party founder than addressing the deteriorating security situation,” he remarked.

“As a result, the situation has become so alarming that people in several districts are afraid of stepping out of their homes after sunset,” he added.

The former two-time chief minister criticised past efforts that, under the guise of negotiations, empowered proscribed groups and contributed to a resurgence in terrorist activities. Mr Sherpao said that prior to these measures a significant reduction in terrorism had been achieved in the province.

To overcome the current crisis, the QWP leader underscored the importance of adopting a clear and unified strategy. He urged the government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan and ensure the effective implementation of every point of the National Action Plan, which had been agreed upon by all political forces and stakeholders in the country.

While acknowledging recent improvements in diplomatic and trade relations with Afghanistan, Aftab Sherpao, who is also a former interior minister, emphasised the need for more substantial efforts in this direction. “It is encouraging to see progress in bilateral ties, but a lot more needs to be done to secure the region’s peace and stability,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2025