Countering terrorism top priority, says Kundi

Kundi dismissed as baseless rumours reports that the 12 districts under emergency were being made separate provinces or merged with the former tribal areas. He said the 12 districts had been identified due to their vulnerability to terrorism, adding that 70% of the Rs160 billion federal development package announced by the prime minister would be spent there.

He noted that the foundation of the Daanish School System was being laid in the region, while further development initiatives would also be introduced.

The governor said the provincial government was allocating Rs40 billion for the Bannu, Malakand and Dera Ismail Khan divisions to meet the requirements of the police department, including the construction and improvement of police stations, check posts, DIG offices and DPO offices and others.

He added that around 17,000 posts in the police department were vacant and the department's staffing and infrastructure needs would be addressed. About the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) breach, Kundi said the authorities had been given a deadline of Nov 15 to 20 to restore water supply through the canal.

He also announced the establishment of a cadet college in K-P for the children of police and security personnel who had lost their lives fighting terrorism. "We want to strengthen institutions rather than individuals," he said, adding that constructive suggestions from local representatives and community elders would be welcomed and implemented.

K-P police seeks Rs40b security package. The K-P police have sought a special package of Rs40 billion from the federal government to strengthen security arrangements in 12 terrorism-hit districts amid rising terrorist threats and attacks on police personnel.

A comprehensive master security plan has been prepared and submitted to the federal government, seeking funds to enhance police capacity, equip the force with modern technology and weapons, procure bulletproof vehicles and provide specialised training to personnel.