In a striking display of bipartisan concern, lawmakers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have demanded that the province's anti-militancy policy be brought before them for scrutiny, as the region grapples with a resurgence of terrorist violence. The call came during a session on Thursday, where members also voiced strong support for the people of India-occupied Kashmir and condemned India's actions in the region. This push for transparency reflects growing unease over the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism measures. Main Developments Lawmakers across party lines echoed a shared frustration with the deteriorating security environment, urging both federal and provincial authorities to collaborate on a unified strategy. The demand to review the anti-militancy policy was a central theme, with members insisting that public representatives must have a say in shaping the approach. They argued that such oversight is essential to address the root causes of militancy and prevent further alienation. Housing minister Dr Amjad Ali noted that the August 2 suicide bombing in Swat marked the first terrorist attack in the area in 11 years, highlighting the sudden escalation of violence. He revealed that the suicide bomber was a previously convicted criminal, released before traveling to Afghanistan, and questioned whether law-enforcement agencies in Punjab are better equipped than those in Balochistan and KP to combat terrorism. Read also: Sindh-Punjab Canal Dispute Deepens as Jalalpur Project Begins Trial Runs Adviser to the chief minister on social welfare Liaqat Khan drew attention to the paradox of KP's ongoing violence despite its border with Afghanistan, pointing out that neighboring countries like Tajikistan, Iran, and China have not witnessed similar terrorist activities. Treasury MPA Fazal Hakim questioned how modern arms and well-equipped terrorists continue to cross into Pakistan if the Afghan border is closed, asking how long residents would "carry coffins." The session also saw heated exchanges, with opposition PPP MPA Ahmad Karim Kundi declaring that political voices should not be suppressed and that the opposition would never accept the government's helplessness. ANP's Mohammad Nisar criticized the federal and provincial governments for merely condemning a recent suicide bombing on a peace rally in Swat, while treasury MPA Pakhtun Yar acknowledged intelligence-based operations in Bannu but complained about prolonged mobile service suspensions and road closures affecting his constituents. Background The province has a long history of militancy, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other groups having been active in the region for years. The August 2 Swat bombing, claimed by the local Taliban, signaled a worrying resurgence after more than a decade of relative calm in that district. The lawmakers' demand for policy review comes amid broader concerns about the effectiveness of military operations, which have often resulted in collateral damage, fueling resentment among affected families. The assembly's resolution on Kashmir, unanimously passed, condemned India's August 5, 2019, revocation of the region's special status and subsequent human rights violations. This move reflects Pakistan's long-standing position on the Kashmir issue, which has been a recurring theme in parliamentary discussions. The resolution, moved by treasury MPA Shafiullah, also called on the federal government to engage with the Joint Action Committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to resolve outstanding issues. Why It Matters The demand for transparency in anti-militancy policy highlights a crucial gap between the government's counter-terrorism approach and the concerns of elected representatives. If left unaddressed, this disconnect could further erode public trust and hinder efforts to stabilize the region. The lawmakers' pointed comparisons between KP and Punjab also raise questions about resource allocation and the prioritization of security efforts across the country. The Kashmir resolution, while symbolic, underscores Pakistan's continued focus on the issue, which remains a sensitive point in regional relations. The call for dialogue with the Joint Action Committee suggests a desire for a more inclusive approach to governance in AJK, potentially affecting future policy decisions. What's Next The assembly session was adjourned until Friday, when lawmakers are expected to continue discussions. It remains unclear whether the federal government will respond to the demand for sharing the anti-militancy policy, but the bipartisan pressure suggests that this issue will not fade quickly. The government also announced plans to introduce compulsory training for mine workers, with a certificate required for entry into mines, a move that could improve safety standards in the sector. Open questions include whether the federal government will engage with the Joint Action Committee and how the proposed policy review might alter current counter