Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif says the government is committed to eliminating terrorism and restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure Pakistan's continued progress, prosperity and stability.

Addressing a meeting of the PML-N Parliamentary Party in Islamabad today, he said that the government was compelled to impose emergency and Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as further delay could have resulted in widespread destruction.

The Prime Minister said that terrorism had been eliminated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 2017-18 after immense sacrifices, but it resurfaced after the PTI government came into power and terrorists were allowed to return.

He said that the people of the province, including children, women, youth, elderly people and political leaders, rendered great sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf did not stand with the families of martyrs and failed to speak against terrorists.

Shehbaz Sharif said that the Federal Government made every possible effort over the past two and a half years to address the situation.

He said that a specific political party created instability through sit-ins, long marches and using abusive language instead of supporting the federation, security forces and efforts to counter terrorism.

The Prime Minister said that development projects, including schools, universities, hospitals, provision of medicines and measures to improve law and order and reduce corruption, were being neglected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that the government could not remain a silent spectator, while the country's progress was being put at risk.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that collective efforts will bring peace, prosperity and development to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan.