PESHAWAR; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday attributed the recent resurgence of terrorism in the province to what he termed the “flawed policy” of the federal government.
Speaking during his first high-level official meeting since assuming office on October 15, Afridi issued key policy directives and statements, according to a post from the CM’s Office on X.
“Terrorism has returned to the province because of the federal government’s wrong policies,” Afridi said, adding that Islamabad had not provided KP with the funds allocated under the national war on terror or other constitutional rights.
He urged the Centre to “recognise the province’s sacrifices” and release funds promptly, stressing that only then could KP strengthen its police force and effectively combat terrorism.
Afridi criticised the interior ministry for supplying “old and defective” bulletproof vehicles, calling it an “insult to KP Police,” and demanded they be recalled.
He reaffirmed that maintaining law and order was his top priority and promised that the police would receive all required resources, modern equipment, and weapons without any shortage of funds.
In response, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry rejected Afridi’s claims, asserting that the vehicles were of international standard and similar to those used in anti-terror operations nationwide. He accused the KP government of mismanaging federal funds and said the CM’s statements reflected “immaturity” and risked endangering law enforcement.
No political arrests under MPO
Afridi also announced that no political worker would be detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance in KP. He emphasized that freedom of expression and constructive criticism were fundamental rights, adding that “no one will be arrested under politically motivated FIRs.”
The CM directed that no student be booked in politically driven cases and that police avoid torture of prisoners. He pledged to prevent political interference in police matters and ordered strict accountability if public complaints arose. Separate housing enclaves for police and media were also proposed in new government housing schemes.
Accountability and development plans
Afridi accused certain officials of succumbing to pressure during the 2024 general elections and vowed “strict action” against them while rewarding those who upheld the people’s mandate. Reiterating PTI’s “zero-tolerance policy against corruption,” he promised to remove underperforming officials.
Announcing a development agenda for the merged districts, Afridi revealed plans to establish a Tribal Medical College, Tribal University of Modern Sciences, and playgrounds at the tehsil level. He also announced a Safe City project to reduce crime and a “University of Investigation and Modern Journalism” dedicated to slain journalist Arshad Sharif.
The CM added that a Revival Plan for Peshawar’s development would soon be launched and pledged to end the “reference culture” in government postings and transfers, ensuring transparency and adherence to the two-year rotation policy.
