SHANGLA: Participants of a peace conference here on Thursday opposed any new military operation in Malakand Division and showed support for the police, urging authorities to enhance security along the region’s borders.

The event organised by the Shangla Action Committee was presided over by district bar association president Waqif Shah at the Jirga Hall in Alpuri.

Notables from across the district and leaders of political parties, including MPA from PK-29 Abdul Munim, attended the conference.

The speakers demanded empowerment of police in the province for the elimination of insurgency.

Mr Shah said militancy had devastated businesses, so people won’t allow anyone to sabotage peace in the region.

Shangla peace moot shows support for police

Former senator Maulana Rahat Hussain said maintenance of peace was the responsibility of the government but unfortunately, it had failed to ensure it as no one was safe in the region.

He opposed any military operation in the region and said the police should be empowered to counter militancy.

ANP district general secretary Mutawakel Khan demanded restoration of peace in the province and opposed any new military offensive.

He said the people would always stand against those harming peace and pushing the region to “another disaster.” Mr Khan said everyone knew who supported the good and bad Taliban.

He said Malakand was historically a peaceful region and its people had never been involved in criminal and anti-state activities.

MPA Abdul Munim said the army should restrict itself to its constitutional role and let the police counter terrorism and protect people and the country.

He said army operations should be launched against Kacha bandits, who openly kidnapped people and freed them after receiving ransom.

PTI leader Nawaz Mahmood Khan said maintaining law and order in the country was the responsibility of law-enforcement agencies but that could happen with people’s support.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2024