The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed that its senior leadership recently met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the wake of recent militant violence in the province.PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the meeting was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan. He clarified that the discussion remained strictly focused on law and order issues and counterterrorism measures.

According to Akram, the interior minister and PTI representatives exchanged views on improving coordination between Federal and provincial institutions to respond more effectively to rising security threats. Special attention was given to the recent attack in Bannu, where militant violence triggered a major confrontation.The statement comes after a deadly incident in Bannu in which militants clashed with security forces and members of a peace committee. Two police personnel and two civilians were martyred, while 25 suspected militants were later killed during a retaliatory operation by law enforcement agencies. 

PTI leadership said the meeting was aimed at strengthening joint efforts to restore peace and stability in the province amid growing concerns over terrorism-related incidents. Sheikh Waqas Akram also rejected speculation circulating on social media regarding the presence of additional participants in the meeting. He denied reports that Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, attended the meeting, stating that only the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and Barrister Gohar were present. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi later confirmed on social media that discussions were limited to the Bannu incident and the overall security situation, adding that no political matters were part of the agenda.Meanwhile, the legal proceedings involving PTI founder Imran Khan continue. The Islamabad High Court has allowed him two weekly meetings with family members, lawyers and associates. However, the PTI maintained that these meetings have not been consistently facilitated in recent weeks.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)