In a sharp rebuttal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has categorically rejected claims made by Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif regarding the alleged resettlement of terrorists in the province. Labeling the accusations as “unfounded” and “misleading,” Saif accused the federal government of using such narratives to deflect attention from its own shortcomings in tackling terrorism across Pakistan.
The controversy erupted when Khawaja Asif suggested that terrorists were being resettled in K-P, a statement that drew immediate ire from the provincial leadership. Speaking on March 14, 2025, Barrister Saif challenged the defence minister to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims. “If Khawaja Asif is so certain about terrorists residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, let him name a single individual and take action to apprehend them,” Saif remarked, emphasizing that the responsibility for national security, including border protection, lies squarely with the federal government.
Saif argued that the remarks were not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to shift blame onto the K-P administration. “This is nothing more than a political ploy by the federal government to mask its failure to address the rising tide of terrorism nationwide,” he asserted. He further pointed out that the province has borne the brunt of militancy for decades, yet the central authorities have consistently failed to deliver a cohesive strategy or adequate resources to curb the menace.
The K-P adviser also turned the tables on Asif, questioning why the defence minister has not acted decisively if he possesses actionable intelligence. “As the person tasked with safeguarding all provinces, why is Khawaja Asif pointing fingers instead of deploying forces to root out these supposed threats?” Saif asked, urging the federal leadership to adopt a more serious and constructive approach to the issue of terrorism rather than resorting to what he called “empty rhetoric.”
This exchange highlights the growing tension between the federal government and the K-P administration, particularly over security matters. Saif’s response underscores a broader frustration within the province, which has long demanded greater federal support to address the fallout of militancy, especially in areas bordering Afghanistan. He stressed that terrorism is a national challenge requiring unified action, not a provincial burden to be exploited for political point-scoring.
As the war of words continues, observers note that such public spats could further strain coordination between the center and the provinces at a time when Pakistan faces a complex security landscape. For now, Barrister Saif remains steadfast in his stance, calling on the federal government to back its claims with evidence or focus on fulfilling its constitutional duties rather than engaging in what he deems baseless accusations.
