CM says past operations devastated province as DG ISPR links rising terrorism to ‘politically permissive environment’
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday became emotional as he responded to criticism from military leaders over his government’s counter-terrorism stance, saying he has already seen the devastation caused by past military operations and does not want a repeat.
Addressing the convocation of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University in Peshawar, Afridi addressed comments made a day earlier by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who questioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s narrative on counterterrorism and linked rising militant violence in the province to what he described as a “politically permissive environment” for terrorists.
In his press conference, the military spokesperson said that 80 per cent of the terrorist incidents in the country took place in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. It played video clips of senior PTI leaders, including Afridi, and showed screenshots of statements attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan questioning his opposition to military operations.
Investigating PTI, DG ISPR said a political-terrorist nexus was behind the rise in attacks in the province. He said the party was “resisting” counterterrorism efforts at every forum and “seeking help from Afghanistan.”
Read: DG ISPR blames KP political environment for rise in terrorism
Questioning the PTI’s stance, he said thousands of terrorist incidents had already occurred in the province. “And this is what you’re talking about? There’s no reason or logic: it’s merely political rhetoric,” he said. “We have to win the war against terrorism at all costs. We have to win this war with force.”
Afridi criticized what he called the mentality behind the press conference, saying he was “deeply hurt” by suggestions that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was being pushed towards terrorism. He warned that decisions made behind closed doors could be dangerous and noted that preparations for military operations were already underway.
Recalling the impact of previous operations, the Prime Minister said: “Our schools, hospitals and homes were damaged. Before the military operations, not a single person was begging. People were killed in drone strikes and explosions. Seeing our women forced to beg is a shame. However, we are ready to make sacrifices again to eliminate terrorism.”
The prime minister said families whose homes were destroyed had been promised compensation of 400,000 rupees per household, but many had not yet received the money. “This is nothing less than a mockery of my province and its people,” he added.
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Visibly moved, he said: “I am by your side. We will provide you with education and employment. If you see tears in my eyes, they are for your future, not for fear. Those who claim that KP is being pushed back to the mountains, we will give them development instead.”
Afridi also claimed that the operations were being politicized, alleging that there was a difference in intentions and that “only the founding president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, is being attacked.”
He began his speech with a verse – “The pen is in my hand and enlightenment is in my mind” – and urged the graduating students to serve the province and the country.
The chief minister also criticized the use of English during the ceremony and expressed displeasure that the vice chancellor delivered her speech in English. “All universities have been taught that our national language is Urdu and speeches should be in Urdu. I have said this before and in future I will be angry if it is ignored,” he said.
