• Says fight against terrorism requires collective national effort
• Discloses over 1,300kg explosives used in recent Tank attack

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In view of the recent surge in militant activities in the province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday called for intensified intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province.

Speaking to media representatives in Dera Ismail Khan, the governor said he would soon discuss the security situation with Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

Mr Kundi said that the fight against terrorism was not the responsibility of the security forces alone but required collective efforts. He also called for closer coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

Regional Police Officer Mubashir Mekan, Dera Ismail Khan District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmad, and Tank District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan were present on the occasion.

The governor claimed that certain hostile forces were displeased with Islamabad’s role during the US-Iran conflict and alleged that India and Israel were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s security.

Expressing concern over the prevailing security situation, Mr Kundi said terrorism was re-emerging and that Pakistan was facing increasing challenges in light of regional developments.

He said that more than 1,300kgs explosives had been used in the recent terrorist attack on the Manjikhel checkpoint in Tank district, describing it as evidence of the scale and sophistication of the militants’ planning.

Mr Kundi said the attack claimed the lives of personnel from the Pakistan Army, the police, and the forest department, adding that their sacrifices would always be remembered by the nation.

The governor said the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, were effectively confronting both internal and external security threats.

He further alleged that India was supporting militancy against Pakistan by using Afghan territory through “Fitna al Khawarij”, the term the state uses for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terrorist outfit.

Mr Kundi also claimed that weapons left behind by international forces in Afghanistan were frequently being used in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, with KP being the worst-affected province.

He said he stood firmly with the armed forces, the police, and all security agencies, adding that such attacks would neither undermine the morale of security personnel nor that of the public. Instead, he said, they would strengthen the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

The governor said he had met security personnel injured in the Manjikhel attack and praised their courage and determination.

He added that the recommendations submitted by the regional police would be forwarded to the federal government.

Mr Kundi said he would also raise the issue of enhancing compensation packages for injured personnel with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the provincial chief minister.

He reaffirmed that the welfare and support of the families of martyred and injured personnel remained the state’s responsibility and assured them of continued assistance.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2026