Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, declared that military operations would not be permitted in the province. In Bannu, Gandapur emphasised the region's commitment to peace and the protection of Pakhtun rights. He condemned the past exploitation of the Pakhtun name for financial gain, particularly by foreign entities, and stressed that the province would not endure violence. Gandapur also recognised the Pakhtun community's contributions to Pakistan, including sacrifices in Kashmir, and affirmed the provincial government's autonomy in decision-making without external influence.
Gandapur criticized recent decisions by the Apex Committee, expressing concerns about efforts to undermine peace initiatives. He promised that the provincial government would respect the madrassah students and provide them with the necessary facilities under the youth program. The Chief Minister also pledged to combat corruption, terrorism, and drug mafias, paying tribute to the sacrifices of armed forces and police martyrs. As the chairman of the KP apex committee, he committed to meeting any additional demands to ensure regional peace and development and announced the construction of a new sports ground for Bannu's youth, emphasising that development projects would be funded by taxpayers' money without unnecessary publicity.
In light of recent occurrences, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa apex committee announced its intention to request the constitution of a judicial commission to investigate an attack on army cantonment in Bannu. This commission, which was requested by the chief justice of Pakistan, carried out an independent enquiry to uncover those responsible. To prevent future occurrences, the committee recommended the establishment of divisional and district-level committees chaired by commissioners and deputy commissioners. The apex committee's gathering, chaired by Chief Minister Gandapur and attended by key personnel, aimed at bolstering cooperation between the KP government, Pakistan Army, and the police to eradicate terrorism and foster lasting tranquillity. The Chief Minister issued instructions for the formulation of a comprehensive policy to restore peace and order, with local leaders playing a vital role in recent efforts to resolve conflicts.
On 22 July 2024 the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) stated that the Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign that diverges significantly from being a mere military operation. Unlike previous large-scale military engagements that targeted terrorists entrenched in no-go areas, this campaign focuses on energizing and enhancing existing intelligence-based operations. According to him, there are no longer any no-go areas in the country, thus eliminating the need for extensive military intervention that might necessitate displacement.
The primary objective of Azm-e-Istehkam is to root out the remnants of violent extremism by bolstering intelligence efforts already in place. This strategic approach aims to maintain and enhance security across the country without causing disruption to civilian life. The DG ISPR emphasized that creating a secure environment is crucial not only for public safety but also for fostering economic development, highlighting the intertwined nature of security and economic progress.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the DG ISPR have both emphasized their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, though their approaches highlight different aspects of the strategy. Gandapur, speaking at a public rally in Bannu, firmly declared that no military operations would be allowed in the province, emphasising peace and protecting Pakhtun rights. He criticised the historical misuse of the Pakhtun name for financial gain and stressed the province's autonomy in decision-making, pledging to combat corruption, terrorism, and drug mafias while honouring the sacrifices of the armed forces and police martyrs. Concurrently, the DG ISPR outlined the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, a comprehensive counter-terrorism initiative focusing on enhancing existing intelligence-based operations rather than large-scale military engagements. This campaign aims to root out remnants of violent extremism, maintain national security, and foster economic development, despite facing opposition from a strong lobby attempting to mischaracterise it. Both leaders are united in their vision of eliminating violent threats and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for the region, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the provincial government, the Pakistan Army, and local communities to achieve lasting peace.