Afridi calls for involvement of tribal elders and political leaders in decisions regarding military operations
KP CM Sohail Afridi. Photo: screenshot
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday criticized the military operations in the province and said they were being imposed without the consent of the government or the provincial assembly.
Following increased unrest and escalating security concerns, large-scale displacement is currently taking place in the Tirah Valley, with thousands of families leaving their homes for safer areas, including Bara and Peshawar.
The prime minister addressed the situation today while presiding over the 46th session of the provincial cabinet. “The provincial government has not allowed any military operations in KP. However, these military operations are being imposed without the approval of the assembly or the provincial government,” he said.
Afridi called for the involvement of all stakeholders, including tribal elders and political and religious leaders, in decisions regarding military operations in the province.
He said that despite 22 major operations and 14,000 intelligence operations, terrorism has not been eliminated. “Security forces are our protectors, but the grievances come from our own people. On one hand, terrorists kill and on the other, civilians are martyred in collateral damage. Legislation on civilian casualties in air and drone strikes is necessary,” added CM Afridi.
Accusing the federal government of failing to provide support, he said it had not released promised funds for internally displaced persons (IDPs), forcing the provincial government to spend Rs 7.5 billion of its own resources so far.
“After the announcement of the operations, the people of KP were displaced and placed under the responsibility of the province, putting a heavy financial burden on provincial resources. So far, Rs 10 billion has been spent and losses of up to Rs 100 billion are feared,” he added. Afridi also highlighted broader economic challenges.
“Decisions behind closed doors have caused GDP to fall from 6.1% to 2-3%. Loans have increased from Rs 43 trillion to Rs 80 trillion. Due to unemployment and inflation, young people are leaving the country,” he said.
He also claimed that a recent incident on Radio Pakistan was a conspiracy against his party, the Paistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. “A special committee of the provincial assembly has been formed to investigate the Radio Pakistan incident. A meeting has already been held,” the chief minister said.
Afridi criticized the federal government for keeping former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in isolation, calling the move “unfair” and a violation of basic rights.
He said Imran had been held in solitary confinement for more than 90 days without access to family or friends. He said Bushra Bibi was also isolated and not allowed to meet her family.
“It is cruel not to provide winter clothes to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The so-called government is breaking all records of dictatorship,” he said.
Afridi accused the federal government of treating KP unfairly, likening its approach to that of a “stepmother”. He said the province had decided to claim action in aid of the civil power, but that delays had occurred due to the federal government’s failure to provide details of terrorist detention centres.
“The lack of information about terrorist prisoners could create security concerns if actions in aid of civil power are withdrawn,” he added.
The prime minister also criticized the federal government’s use of the Anti-Terrorism Act to ban political parties, calling it inappropriate. He said officials had been instructed to review the list of political workers included in the fourth schedule and provide help where necessary.
Afridi highlighted delays in the Northern Bypass project, which has been stalled since 2010, saying costs had risen from Rs3 billion to Rs31 billion. He said the provincial government had provided Rs5 billion to expedite the project.
The prime minister also announced the formation of a special committee of the provincial assembly to investigate alleged voter fraud in the February 8, 2024 election. He confirmed that provincial employees would be summoned for questioning, and emphasized that while security forces remained respected protectors, accountability measures would focus on internal administrative failures.
Briefing the media, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, outlined the key decisions of the cabinet.
These included introducing artificial intelligence education in schools, promoting youth activities, improving judicial infrastructure, prison reforms and approving funds for development and relief initiatives. Notably, Rs 2,684 crore was sanctioned to upgrade prison facilities and modernize security arrangements across the province.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members and senior officials, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to addressing both security and public welfare concerns.
The prime minister also visited the Peshawar Medical Complex to check on people injured in an incident in Tirah and ordered that they be provided with the best medical care.
