ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has called for immediate safety audits of educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed legal accountability for Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and reiterated the government’s firm stance against terrorism.
Speaking on key political and security issues, Rana Sanaullah on Counter-Terrorism Policy emphasized that the state must maintain a clear position against militant groups and those who support or justify their activities. He also called for improved safety standards in schools following a tragic incident in Peshawar.
Rana Sanaullah on Counter-Terrorism Policy: No Negotiations with Militants
Sanaullah criticized past security approaches that favored engagement with extremist groups, arguing that Pakistan had made significant progress against terrorism following the Army Public School (APS) tragedy and the implementation of the National Action Plan.
He maintained that dialogue and peace committees with militant groups were not an appropriate response to terrorism. He also stressed that individuals or political elements accused of supporting or justifying militant activities should face legal accountability.
At the same time, Sanaullah said the federal government was willing to cooperate with provincial authorities, provided political stakeholders demonstrated a firm commitment to the state’s counterterrorism policy.
School Safety Audits Urged After Peshawar Incident
Addressing school safety concerns, Sanaullah called for immediate structural audits of educational institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the tragic incident in Peshawar.
He suggested that the government consider providing financial assistance and loans to private schools to help improve their infrastructure and safety arrangements. According to his remarks, private educational institutions carry around 60 percent of the country’s educational burden, with many operating in limited spaces.
Sanaullah also stressed the need for transparent standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clearly defined criteria for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to educational institutions.
Sohail Afridi’s Legal Cases and Political Situation
Commenting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s political situation, Sanaullah said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi faces multiple legal cases and would be required to face trial.
He also referred to the restoration of assemblies after six months and said the governance framework introduced to address the prevailing challenges would continue.
Sanaullah emphasized that political leadership at every level should demonstrate a clear commitment to combating terrorism and protecting public security.
Federal Government Offers Cooperation on Security
Sanaullah reiterated that the federal government was prepared to extend cooperation to provincial authorities on security matters. However, he stressed that such cooperation should be based on a shared commitment to counterterrorism and opposition to militant groups.
