CM Afridi wants KP input included in counterterror policy

KP CM Sohail Afridi and his predecessor, Ali Amin Gandapur, inquire after those injured in the Darazinda attack.—Dawn DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday called for better cooperation between the provincial and federal governments on security matters, saying the counterterrorism policy should reflect ground realities. The chief minister made these comments during his visit to Dera Ismail Khan to visit the wounded, a day after a deadly bombing targeting a police and customs check-post killed more than 12 people, including rescue officials, in Darazinda. He was received by his predecessor Ali Amin Gandapur, and the two subsequently visited the hospital where the injured were being treated. Addressing the media, Chief Minister Afridi said his government had warned about the deteriorating security situation in the province and added that people, police personnel and soldiers were bearing the brunt of violence. Afridi visits victims of Dera Ismail Khan attack alongside predecessor Ali Amin Gandapur; urges Centre to involve the province in decision-making, provide resources He said his government provided an additional Rs35 billion to the KP police in the previous financial year for maintaining peace and security. He claimed the province also made payments to federal agencies for the provision of modern weapons, equipment and armoured personnel carriers (APCs), but the required equipment had yet to be delivered. RESIDENTS offer funeral prayers for a blast victim in Lakki Marwat. Terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post, killing at least 11 people.—AFP He demanded that the federal government provide APCs to the province without further delay and said the people of KP should be taken into confidence before making decisions about peace and security. “We are picking up coffins on a daily basis,” the CM said, calling for greater cooperation between the federal and provincial governments on se