Khyber Pukhtunkhwa govt approves better weapons for forces

Pakistan's Khyber Pukhtunkhwa government today approved better weapons and equipment for security forces of the province, a day after a suicide bomber killed a top provincial minister.
Provincial Law and Parliamentary Minister Israrullah Gandapur and eight others were killed and over 30 injured when the bomber entered the politician's house in the Kulachi area yesterday and detonated his explosive-laden vest.
A three-day mourning was announced as the minister was laid to rest. He was the third Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member of Provincial Assembly to be killed by terrorist in less than six months.
In a cabinet meeting today, chaired by chief minister Pervez Khattak, reviewed the law and order situation and deliberated options to swiftly restore peace in the province.

Khattak said he hoped negotiations with militants would move forward in the best possible manner, and approved the acquisition of the latest equipment for security teams in the province.
He strongly condemned the killing of the minister adding certain quarters did not want peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in rest of the country.

"If the situation was not resolved through dialogue, more options would be used because the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) have lost today a very committed worker," state-run APP news agency quoted Khattak as saying.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has been insisting on talks with the Pakistani Taliban.
Party chief Imran Khan has even suggested that the banned group should be allowed to open an office in the country so that dialogue could be started.