PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information and Public Relations Samar Haroon Bilour has said the province’s deteriorating law and order situation requires decisive measures, stressing that the government will focus on facts and practical action rather than propaganda.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Bilour said the events of the previous month were evident to everyone and stressed that there would be no compromise on the country’s sovereignty, integrity and defence.
She paid tribute to journalists for their sacrifices and said the difficulties faced by police and security personnel must also be highlighted. She said the sacrifices and services of personnel working under challenging circumstances deserved recognition.
Bilour Criticises PTI
Criticising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilour alleged that the party’s long march had been turned towards provocation and that political narratives were being promoted for vested interests.
She further claimed that PTI’s activities had largely become confined to social media, alleging that some of its pages were being operated from abroad.
The adviser said the government would prioritise facts, transparency and performance. She stressed that decisions concerning the province must also take into account the traditions, circumstances and sensitivities of the Pashtun community.
Announcing regular media engagement, Bilour said she would brief journalists every week on government initiatives and her performance.
Security and Police Reforms
Bilour said an Apex Committee meeting was held on the first day of the governor’s rule.
She added that the federal government had provided 10 armoured personnel carriers to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, while more than 55 plots had been allocated to the families of police martyrs.
She said police salaries and compensation packages for martyrs’ families had been increased, with efforts underway to bring constables’ salaries in line with those in other provinces.
She added that measures were being taken to improve security and sanitation in Peshawar.
A major operation against encroachments had also been launched on the governor’s directives, while steps were being taken to improve the performance of Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP).
960kg of Narcotics Seized
The adviser claimed that police had seized 960 kilograms of narcotics during the current year following large-scale drug smuggling in the province last year.
She said the government would continue its efforts to improve law and order and eliminate terrorism.
PM’s Peshawar Visit and Hospital Projects
Bilour said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to visit Peshawar, where important announcements were expected.
She added that plans to establish hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the model of those in Punjab were under consideration.
Highlighting the shortage of educational facilities in the merged districts, she said girls from underdeveloped areas, including Miranshah, had contacted her to highlight the lack of schools and basic educational facilities.
She said the government would work to improve educational opportunities in neglected areas and address the challenges facing the province.
Bilour reiterated that the government’s priorities included restoring peace, strengthening police capacity, improving basic public services and resolving citizens’ problems through practical measures.