KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi: “Pakistan Comes First, Everything Else Later”

RAWALPINDI: Newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said that “Pakistan comes first, and everything else follows.” Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail, where he had arrived to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, Afridi emphasized that from the very first day of assuming office, he had initiated efforts for the founder’s release.

Afridi stated that the KP government had written to the federal and Punjab governments seeking permission for him to meet Imran Khan but had not yet received a response.

He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called to congratulate him, to which he expressed gratitude and highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa represents 45 million citizens. Afridi said he told the Prime Minister that political or personal differences should not come at the expense of the people, and he requested permission to meet his party leader. “The Prime Minister said he would look into the matter,” Afridi added.

The Chief Minister said PTI had always chosen the path of peaceful protest and would continue to do so within constitutional and legal boundaries. “When justice is not delivered by the courts, peaceful protest is our right,” he said.

Afridi further noted that if an advisory council is to be formed, he himself would constitute it, reaffirming his position as Chief Minister. He said his provincial cabinet would be finalized after consultation with the party founder, along with his own recommendations.

“From day one, I have been working for our leader’s release. We will continue our efforts through constitutional means,” Afridi concluded.