Not Terrorism, Only Talks of Eliminating Imran Khan: KP CM Reacts to Press Conference

Peshawar: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Suhail Afridi, has strongly criticized yesterday’s press conference, saying that instead of focusing on eliminating terrorism, there is an agenda to target PTI founder Imran Khan.

Addressing a convocation ceremony in Peshawar, the Chief Minister said it deeply hurt him to hear claims that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was being pushed back towards terrorism. He stated that the province has already witnessed the devastating consequences of military operations and does not want to relive those scenes again. While referring to the prospect of another operation, the Chief Minister became emotional.

Beginning his speech with a poetic verse, Suhail Afridi congratulated students on receiving their degrees and expressed hope that they would serve the province and the country. He also criticized the use of English speeches at official ceremonies, stressing that Urdu is the national language and should be used in universities.

The Chief Minister said a certain mindset does not want Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to progress. He warned that decisions taken behind closed doors are dangerous, noting that the province has already endured 22 major operations and over 14,000 targeted intelligence-based operations. Despite repeatedly pointing out the movement of militants and submitting reports, he said the provincial government was not taken into confidence.

Suhail Afridi highlighted the human cost of past operations, stating that schools, hospitals, and homes were destroyed, and people lost their lives in operations, drone attacks, and bombings. He said displacement forced many families into poverty, adding that promises of compensation were made but never fulfilled by the state.

He emphasized that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are ready to make sacrifices once again to eliminate terrorism, but questioned why genuine consultation and policy-making were not being carried out with elected representatives, political parties, and tribal elders.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the real focus appears to be on eliminating Imran Khan and PTI rather than terrorism. He said that if the intention were sincere, a joint policy would be formulated in consultation with the provincial leadership.

Concluding his address, Suhail Afridi said his emotions were driven not by fear but by concern for the future of the province. He assured the people that education, employment, and development would be priorities and vowed not to allow Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be pushed backward.