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 military operations in the province, saying they were imposed without the consent of the government or the provincial assembly.
Following increased unrest and growing security concerns, large-scale displacement is currently underway in the Tirah Valley, with thousands of families leaving their homes for safer areas, including Bara and Peshawar.
The chief minister addressed the situation today while presiding over the 46th session of the provincial cabinet. “The provincial government has not authorized any military operations in KP. However, these military operations are 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 had not been eliminated. “Security forces are our protectors, but the complaints come from our own people. On one side, terrorists are killing, and on the other, civilians are being martyred in collateral damage. There is a need to bring in legislation regarding civilian casualties from drone and air strikes,” CM Afridi added.
Accusing the federal government of failing to provide support, he said it had failed to release promised funds for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), forcing the provincial government to spend Rs7.5 billion from its own resources so far.
“After the operations were announced, the people of KP were displaced and left under the responsibility of the province, imposing 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.
“The decisions behind closed doors have caused GDP to fall from 6.1% to 2-3%. Loans have increased from 43 trillion rupees to 80 trillion rupees. 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 probe the Radio Pakistan incident. A meeting has already been held,” the chief minister said.
Afridi slammed the federal government for keeping former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in solitary confinement, calling the move “unjust” and a violation of fundamental rights.
He said Imran had been held in solitary confinement for more than 90 days without access to family or friends. He added that Bushra Bibi was also kept in isolation and was 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 the KP unfairly, likening its approach to that of a “stepmother”. He added that the province had decided to resume action in favor of civil power, but delays had arisen due to the federal government’s failure to provide details on terrorist detention centers.
“The lack of information on terrorist prisoners could create security problems if actions in favor of civilian power were withdrawn,” he added.
The chief minister also criticized the federal government’s use of the anti-terrorism law to ban political parties, calling it inappropriate. He said officials had been directed to review the list of political workers included in the fourth list and provide relief if necessary.
Afridi highlighted delays in the Northern Bypass project, which has been stalled since 2010, saying costs had increased from Rs3 billion to Rs31 billion. He said the provincial government had contributed Rs5 billion to expedite the project.
The chief minister also announced the formation of a special committee of the Provincial Assembly to investigate allegations of electoral fraud in the February 8, 2024 elections. He confirmed that provincial employees would be summoned for questioning, stressing that while security forces remained respected protectors, accountability measures would target internal administrative failures.
Addressing the media, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan presented the key decisions of the cabinet.
These included introducing artificial intelligence education in schools, promoting youth activities, improving judicial infrastructure, prison reform, and approving funds for development and relief initiatives. Notably, Rs2,684 million has been allocated to upgrade prison facilities and upgrade security arrangements across the province.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members and senior officials, highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to addressing issues of public safety and well-being.
The chief minister also visited the Peshawar Medical Complex to check on those injured in an incident in Tirah, directing that they be given the best medical care.
