KP People Being Punished for Standing With Imran Khan: CM Sohail Afridi

Peshawar (Kudrat News) — Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has said that the people of the province are being punished for standing with Imran Khan.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, he said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gave a mandate to Imran Khan and the provincial government is also functioning on the basis of that public trust. He added that the budget has been prepared in line with Imran Khan’s vision.

He stated that despite court orders allowing weekly meetings, the directives are not being implemented. He urged the judiciary to intervene immediately and ensure access for meetings. He said that instead of political victimization, the authorities should focus on improving the economy, reducing inflation, increasing exports, and promoting industry and agriculture to resolve public issues.

The Chief Minister said that national debt, trade deficit, inflation, and unemployment are continuously increasing, while the benefits of loans are not reaching the public. He added that millions of families are facing severe financial hardship and the country cannot function in this manner. He said that ultimately, the people will decide their leader, prime minister, and chief minister, and imposed decisions will only worsen the situation.

He alleged that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being punished for supporting Imran Khan. He further stated that funds for merged districts and development projects are being withheld, while the province is not receiving its due share under the NFC Award. He said Rs. 12 billion has been cut from funds allocated for merged districts this fiscal year.

Despite being a frontline province in the fight against terrorism, he said, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources are being reduced. He added that due to flawed federal policies, terrorism is resurfacing in the region.

He further said that over the past six years, the provincial government has spent more than Rs. 30 billion to strengthen police capabilities and maintain law and order. He noted that important dam projects in the province are ready, but NOCs are not being issued for visits by foreign engineers, hampering development work.

He once again appealed to the judiciary to allow meetings with Imran Khan so that effective consultation can take place for the representation of 45 million people and the resolution of their issues.