KP Chief Minister Ready to Engage Establishment on Provincial Issues, Seeks Better Relations

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi has said he is ready to engage in dialogue with the establishment to improve relations on provincial matters, clarifying that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has not assigned him any task regarding talks with the establishment.

In separate, informal meetings with senior journalists in Peshawar, the chief minister said that Imran Khan had entrusted the task of negotiations to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas. However, he added that he remains willing to hold discussions with the establishment to address provincial issues and improve working relations.

Afridi said he has not been allowed to meet the PTI founder and stressed the need for the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, calling for an end to drone attacks. He emphasized that the government, including the establishment and all stakeholders, should formulate policies aligned with public interests.

The KP chief minister said that if any official event or meeting takes place, he would meet Field Marshal Asim Munir. He reiterated his commitment to developing Peshawar, stating it would not be like Lahore where, he claimed, restrictions are imposed on public gatherings.

Highlighting financial grievances, Afridi said the federal government has yet to clear Rs700 billion in dues under the Annual Development Programme for merged districts, adding that only Rs168 billion has been released over the years. He further claimed that the federation owes KP more than Rs4 trillion in outstanding payments, including net hydel profit.

Addressing the issue of Imran Khan’s release, Afridi said talks would only be possible when conditions and the environment are conducive, and that PTI leadership must demonstrate resilience. He said Imran Khan’s sisters are justified in campaigning for his release and described the PTI founder as a national leader, not limited to KP alone.

The chief minister said his government follows a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, with principles centered on transparency, merit, development, and accountability. He added that development in merged districts would help eliminate militancy, though law and order remains the government’s biggest challenge.

Afridi said compensation for people displaced from areas such as Tirah would be paid by the provincial government, while reiterating opposition to military operations in line with PTI’s policy. He also urged journalists to verify information before reporting, rejecting what he termed propaganda about the lack of facilities in KP’s schools and hospitals.

Commenting on his recent Lahore visit, Afridi apologized for the use of inappropriate language, calling it a reaction to the treatment his convoy faced. He said preparations were under way for a Karachi visit, where meetings with student and labor forums are planned.

On protests, he said demonstrations scheduled for February 8 would take place regardless of negotiations. He also announced governance measures, including reclaiming official vehicles from former ministers, reopening sealed offices, seeking reports on the Peshawar–Dera motorway, and expanding the provincial cabinet soon, with a 100-day performance report to be presented.