CM Afridi calls FIRs politically motivated; cabinet reopens probe into Radio Pakistan attack
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREENSHOT
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet, in its 41st session chaired via video link by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, approved a series of major governance, transparency and security measures, including withdrawal of all “politically motivated” cases on May 9, 10.
Another key decision announced by the CM is that all recruitments in government, semi-government and autonomous institutions will now be done exclusively through the Educational Testing and Assessment Agency (ETEA), thereby eliminating the need for private testing agencies. The move aims to ensure merit, transparency and prevent corruption in public sector recruitment.
The cabinet also decided to hand over the investigation into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident to a special committee of the provincial assembly, thereby ensuring an impartial and thorough investigation. Additionally, cases filed on May 9 and 10, widely considered politically motivated and filed without evidence, were ordered to be withdrawn.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized on priority provision of bulletproof vehicles to civil servants, especially those serving in district administrations. He ordered that all obstacles delaying the acquisition of these vehicles be immediately removed to enable civil servants to carry out their duties in a safe environment.
Expressing deep concern over the solitary confinement of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, CM Afridi termed the move as inhumane and condemned it unreservedly. He also criticized recent federal press conferences, calling them unethical and illegal, aimed at inciting public unrest, and reaffirmed the provincial government’s stance against any action that could harm public peace or divide the state.
The cabinet session discussed issues such as good governance, security, human rights and the share of the National Finance Commission (NFC). The CM urged civil servants to use modern technology and attend meetings online whenever possible to reduce public expenditure. He reaffirmed the strict implementation of the Roadmap for Good Governance published previously.
Other key decisions included approval of financial assistance for two patients requiring kidney and bone marrow transplant, allocation of funds to expedite ongoing district development projects and a special grant of Rs 150 million for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
The cabinet also authorized a committee to purchase additional wheat if necessary, addressed the humanitarian impact of the prolonged closure of the Torkham border and ensured immediate provision of food, drinking water and essential facilities to stranded travelers.
The cabinet described the decisions as a historic step towards securing provincial rights, promoting public welfare, strengthening security and ensuring transparent governance across KP.
