Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has firmly stated that there should not be separate policies for preferred groups and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in combating terrorism. He emphasized this point while chairing a meeting focused on the province’s law and order situation.
Earlier on Monday, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the KP government of inadequate leadership, insufficient resources, and a lenient approach toward Afghanistan and terrorist elements. Afridi responded by highlighting the sacrifices made by the people of KP, police, and armed forces, noting that over 80,000 individuals from the province have lost their lives for Pakistan.
He lamented that the peace secured after two decades of struggle has been jeopardized by renewed instability following recent regime changes. Afridi pointed out that warnings about the resurgence of militancy, including militants moving into mountainous areas and their alleged resettlement, were repeatedly issued to both provincial and federal authorities but were ignored.
To raise awareness, Afridi’s government organized rallies, demonstrations, and public meetings across various districts, but federal ministers dismissed these efforts as propaganda and falsehoods. He warned that the current state policy was flawed and would lead to further bloodshed among the Pashtun population.
The chief minister accused a particular mindset of experimenting on the people of KP, resulting in the deaths of soldiers, police officers, children, women, elderly, and other civilians in terrorist attacks. He expressed frustration that the sacrifices of KP’s people are disregarded, with federal ministers labeling them as terrorists and wild, yet no action is taken against those making such claims.
Afridi strongly asserted that there cannot be one policy for favourites and a different one for KP. He also condemned a statement attributed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, which suggested that the threat to Pakistan comes not from India but from the other three provinces, calling it deeply troubling. He questioned those contradicting the official stance on India and rejected any policy that would push KP back into terrorism.
Highlighting his government’s commitment, Afridi revealed that Rs35 billion was reallocated from the development budget to support the police, with the police budget increased by 103 percent for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Resources are being directed toward enhancing police manpower, strengthening the Special Branch, and upgrading weapons and equipment.
However, Afridi stressed that financial support alone would not solve the issue; the federal government must revise its policy. Since October 15, 2025, he has advocated for replacing the failed 22-year-old policy with a new one developed in consultation with all KP stakeholders, including the provincial government, administration, and police.
He confidently stated that implementing his proposed policy could restore peace in KP within 100 days. Yet, he lamented that no one seems willing to listen, with some considering themselves all-knowing and ignoring KP’s stakeholders. Afridi questioned the direction in which the country is heading and condemned the disregard for the blood of KP’s people, warning that no decision against the province’s will would be accepted.
Rejecting any pressure to alter his stance, Afridi declared he would not back down despite threats of governor’s rule or emergency imposition. He expressed disdain for any position that would force him to abandon his principles.
Calling on the federal government to change its approach, Afridi urged protection for soldiers, police, and civilians to prevent further bloodshed, emphasizing that a policy shift benefits both KP and the entire country.
His remarks came shortly after strong criticism from Tarar and Talal Chaudhry, who accused the KP government of leniency toward terrorism and a soft stance on Afghanistan.
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