CM Afridi calls FIRs political; Cabinet reopens investigation into Radio Pakistan attack
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREEN CAPTURE
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, in its 41st session chaired via video conference by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, approved a series of important governance, transparency and security measures, including withdrawal of all “politically motivated” cases from May 9 and 10.
Another key decision announced by the CM is that all recruitment in government, semi-government and autonomous institutions will now be done exclusively through the Educational Examinations and Assessment Agency (ETEA), eliminating the use of private assessment agencies. This measure is designed to guarantee merit, transparency and prevent corruption in public sector contracting.
The cabinet also decided to hand over the investigation into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident to a special committee of the provincial assembly, ensuring an impartial and thorough investigation. In addition, the withdrawal of cases registered on May 9 and 10, widely considered politically motivated and presented without evidence, has been ordered.
Chief Minister Afridi stressed on priority supply of armored vehicles to civil servants, particularly those serving in district administrations. He ordered that any obstacles delaying the procurement of these vehicles be immediately removed to allow officials to perform their duties in a safe environment.
CM Afridi, who expressed grave concern over the solitary confinement of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, termed the move as inhumane and strongly condemned it. He also criticized recent federal press conferences as unethical and illegal, aimed at inciting public unrest, and reaffirmed the provincial government’s stance against any action that could undermine public peace or divide the state.
The cabinet session reviewed issues including good governance, security, human rights and involvement of the National Finance Commission (NFC). The CM urged civil servants to use modern technology and attend online meetings wherever possible to reduce government expenditure. He reaffirmed the strict implementation of the Good Governance Roadmap issued earlier.
Other key decisions included approval of financial aid for two patients requiring kidney and bone marrow transplants, allocation of funds to accelerate ongoing district development projects and a special grant of Rs 150 crore to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
Cabinet also authorized a committee to procure additional wheat if necessary, addressed the humanitarian impact of the prolonged closure of the Torkham border and ensured the immediate provision of food, drinking water and essential facilities to stranded travellers.
The cabinet described these decisions as a historic step towards ensuring provincial rights, promoting public welfare, improving security and ensuring transparent governance across the KP.
