Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs Ikhtiar Wali Khan has strongly criticized the provincial government over its failure to formulate an effective strategy on counterterrorism and extremism.

He was addressing a news conference in Islamabad today along with Parliamentary Secretary for Information Danyal Chaudhary.

Ikhtiar Wali Khan asked the provincial government to explain its counterterrorism policy, progress on implementing the National Action Plan, and measures to curb smuggling and providing relief to the masses.

He said slogans and accusations could no longer serve the nation. He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had a soft corner for terrorists and had done nothing to eliminate terrorism or build the capacity of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

Ikhtiar Wali urged the provincial government to make clear whether it stands with the State of Pakistan.

In his remarks, Danyal Chaudhary said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to adopt an effective strategy to address terrorism, unemployment and the declining economy in the province.

He said the provincial government has been pursuing a policy of violence and confrontation, which is not in the interest of the people of the province.