Khawaja Asif Accuses KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of Spreading Hatred Against Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accusing him of promoting hatred against Pakistan and questioning his stance on terrorism and attacks on security forces.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Asif referred to remarks attributed to Afridi regarding future generations refusing to stand for Pakistan’s national anthem or carry the national flag.
The defence minister said such statements were unacceptable from someone serving as the chief executive of a province. He argued that the freedom available in Pakistan should not be used to spread hatred or advocate the country’s disintegration.
Asif also questioned whether Afridi had condemned terrorist attacks targeting Pakistani citizens, mosques, markets, hujras and security checkpoints.
He asked whether the chief minister had publicly denounced attacks on security personnel since assuming office or attended the funerals of members of the security forces killed in such incidents.
The defence minister further criticised the PTI-led provincial government, claiming that the party had governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for approximately 13 years and had also held power at the federal level for four years.
Asif alleged that the party’s political conduct reflected a greater concern for retaining power and controlling provincial and federal resources than for national interests.
He accused the PTI leadership of showing hostility towards the country despite benefiting from the opportunities and freedoms available in Pakistan.
The defence minister’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration over security, political protests and the possible imposition of an emergency in the province.
Afridi’s alleged remarks and the accusations made by Asif could not be independently verified from the information provided.
