Newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has ruled out the possibility of any military operation in the province, asserting that such actions are not a solution to national issues.
In his first address to the provincial assembly, he aligned himself with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s stance against armed operations and called for an inclusive approach toward policymaking.
Speaking in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly after being elected as the 30th Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi declared that no military operation would take place during his tenure, saying that his leader Imran Khan has always opposed such measures.
“Military operations are not a solution to any problem. Imran Khan is against operations, and as long as we are here, no such move will be allowed,” he said.
He added that decisions concerning the region, especially the tribal areas, should not be made “in closed rooms” and urged national leaders to take the provincial government into confidence on security and border policies.
‘Afghan policy needs review’
The Chief Minister stressed the need for a review of Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy, saying the region’s peace and stability depended on mutual understanding and consultation.
“There was no issue with Afghanistan during Imran Khan’s tenure. Today, Afghans are being pushed out after 40 years. Whatever new policy you make, please take the tribal people and KP government into confidence,” Afridi emphasized.
He accused previous governments of “trading the heads of Pakhtuns” and warned against policies that reignite unrest in the region.
‘KP belongs only to Imran Khan’
Sohail Afridi expressed unwavering loyalty to PTI founder Imran Khan, saying, “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belongs only to Imran Khan, and only he will run it.”
He added that he had nothing to lose politically or financially, declaring himself a champion of protest politics. “If Imran Khan is shifted from jail without our consultation, the entire country will be jammed,” Afridi warned, drawing applause from PTI lawmakers.
Afridi highlighted his humble background, saying, “My name is not Bhutto, Zardari, or Sharif — I reached here through hard work, not through a slip.”
He said he was proud of being tribal and that his nomination had initially been ridiculed due to his background. “I have been made Chief Minister to remove the sense of deprivation among the tribals,” he noted, adding that his election was being celebrated in the tribal districts.
He also thanked former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for supporting Afghan refugees and ensuring their care and safety.
Afridi credited PTI’s social media team as “Pakistan’s biggest establishment” for their continued support and paid tribute to slain journalist Arshad Sharif, calling him “the biggest martyr.”
He also expressed gratitude to his party leadership, senators, and colleagues for entrusting him with the province’s top office.
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