Bureau Report
PESHAWAR, October 13: Newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi has firmly ruled out any new military operation in the province, declaring that such actions in the past have backfired and brought immense suffering to the people. He emphasized that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, under the vision of Imran Khan, would not allow any military operation without taking local communities into confidence.
Addressing on the assembly floor after election, Afridi said thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from earlier operations are still struggling to return to normal life. “We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. The policy of eliminating terrorism can only succeed when the local people, tribal elders, and community leaders are made partners in the process,” he said. “Decisions made in drawing rooms have never worked in KP or the tribal areas.”
Afridi urged the federal government and the military establishment to revisit Pakistan’s Afghan policy, insisting that dialogue and diplomacy, not force, are the only sustainable solutions. He expressed deep concern over the recent eviction drive against Afghan refugees, calling it “inhumane and disgraceful.” “Afghans have lived with us for decades; they deserve respect and dignity, not forced expulsions,” he said, adding that the Afghan refugee issue is closely linked with PTI’s humanitarian policy. “We request the federal government to treat Afghans with compassion and consult KP’s local representatives before finalizing any policy on Afghanistan.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to Imran Khan, Afridi said he would continue to carry forward the PTI founder’s mission for justice and democracy. He warned against any move to shift Imran Khan’s imprisonment from Adiala Jail to a military facility, saying, “If such an attempt is made, we will jam the entire country.
The KP Chief Minister-elect also expressed strong opposition to drone attacks and other military measures that result in civilian casualties, saying these actions only fuel resentment and instability. Referring to Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) leader Manzoor Pashteen, Afridi said that those placed under Schedule 4, including PTM members, would be discussed with the federal government for possible removal from the list.
Commenting on the events of May 9, Afridi said the episode was exploited as an “operation to malign PTI and wipe it out from the political landscape.” He announced that an inquiry would be launched into the attack on Radio Pakistan Peshawar, saying, “We will find out who was actually behind it.”
Afridi also referred to the Commonwealth report on Pakistan’s February 8 general elections, saying it clearly stated that the polls were not free and fair. “PTI won the elections but was denied its rightful mandate. The people know who they voted for, and they stand with Imran Khan,” he asserted.
The new Chief Minister vowed to uphold constitutional governance in the province, ensure peace through dialogue, and protect the democratic rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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