ISLAMABAD:Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, on Wednesday highlighted developments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) following the imposition of emergency, claiming that the situation had improved compared with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial government’s tenure.
Speaking to a private TV channel, he said the federal government was committed to strengthening institutions in the province and addressing major challenges, particularly security concerns.
He focused on the provision of facilities and equipment to the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), adding that bulletproof vehicles and other essential equipment had been provided to the departments, which he said were not supplied during the PTI-led provincial government’s tenure.
Malik also discussed the formation of Area Representative and Development Councils (ARDCs) in the 12 merged districts of KP. He said local residents had been included in the councils to help determine development priorities and guide progress in their respective areas.
Emphasizing the importance of political dialogue, he said his party had consistently advocated negotiations to resolve political disputes. However, he questioned whom the government should engage in talks with, claiming that PTI members lacked the authority to make key decisions.
On the issue of administrative restructuring, he said Parliament was the appropriate forum for discussing and deliberating on the matter.