Seminar “A Holistic Approach of the Security and Governance Challenges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”

Press Release – July 7^th 2025

Islamabad, 7^th July 2025 — The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) recently organized a Seminar on “A Holistic Approach of the Security and Governance Challenges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).” The session brought together a range of experts, policymakers, and journalists to engage in discussions about the causes of militancy, administrative difficulties in KP, and possible solutions for addressing these complex issues. Key topics included the resurgence of the TTP in KP, the administrative challenges faced by local governments, the role of law enforcement, and the contributions of media and political leadership in combating terrorism.

The event began with a keynote address by Honourable Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of KP, who provided an overview of the security and governance challenges in the province. Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Special Representative for Afghanistan, then discussed the implications of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in the context of TTP militancy. His talk focused on the need for cooperation between both countries to address the cross-border aspects of terrorism. Lt. Gen. Hasan Azhar Hayat (retd.), former Commander of 11 Corps, examined the causes of the TTP resurgence in KP and proposed several strategies to combat this growing threat. Mr. Zulfiqar Hameed, Inspector General of Police KP, followed with an assessment of the policing and counterterrorism challenges in the merged districts of KP. He stressed the importance of enhancing law enforcement capabilities to effectively address the security situation.

The discussion then shifted to the role of media and youth in countering extremism. Mr. Saleem Safi, a journalist from GEO News Network, emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public opinion and countering terrorist propaganda. He discussed the responsibility of media outlets in presenting clear, accurate narratives to combat radical ideologies. Mr. Irfan Ullah Jan, CEO of the Ex-FATA Disable Welfare Organisation, provided insights into the perspective of youth on TTP terrorism, stressing the importance of engaging young people in counterterrorism initiatives. Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to the Chief Minister of KP, focused on the role of political leadership in directing policies aimed at addressing crime and terrorism. He noted that coordinated political efforts are necessary for effective governance. He highlighted the importance of the governance structure, which he said, includes administration, law enforcement and judiciary. Former Chief Minister of KP, Mr. Amir Haider Khan Hoti, spoke about the socio-political factors influencing terrorism, calling for inclusive political and social policies. Senator Sitara Ayaz explored how social inequalities contribute to the spread of extremism, advocating for reforms to address these root causes. Dr. Murad Ali, Head of Political Science at the University of Malakand, examined the impact of social and economic factors on peace and security in the merged districts of KP, highlighting the need for targeted economic development.

The session concluded with a presentation by Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Chief Khateeb of Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar, who discussed the role of religious leaders in combating terrorism. He stressed the importance of religious institutions promoting messages of peace and opposing extremist ideologies. The IPRI event provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the ongoing security and governance challenges in KP. It underscored the need for collaborative approaches involving political leaders, law enforcement, media, and religious institutions to address terrorism and promote long-term stability in the region.