KP Chief Minister Says Military Operation Aims to Eliminate PTI, Not Terrorism

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat):** Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Suhail Afridi, has alleged that the purpose of military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not to restore peace but to eliminate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founder Imran Khan. He said that peace in the province cannot be achieved through military operations alone.

According to Express News, CM Suhail Afridi arrived in Karachi at 1:55 pm as part of a three-day visit and led a rally from the airport to Bagh-e-Jinnah, where he reviewed arrangements for a public gathering scheduled on Sunday. PTI workers welcomed him at various points, chanting slogans in support of the party founder.

Later, speaking to the media at the Karachi Press Club, the Chief Minister said he has no personal contact with anyone regarding negotiations and reiterated that military operations will not bring lasting peace to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that if the Prime Minister calls him for talks on ending terrorism in the province, he would attend, stressing that the federal government, KP government, political parties, and security institutions must work together to establish peace.

Suhail Afridi said that authority for negotiations rests with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir, who are handling the matter. He added that PTI has launched a street movement for the release of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, and a public rally will be held at Bagh-e-Jinnah, Karachi, on January 11.

Apologizing to journalists for his late arrival, Afridi said the delay was due to the large number of workers who turned out to welcome him. He said Imran Khan has assigned him the responsibility to lead the street movement.

The Chief Minister criticized the treatment of PTI parliamentarians during his recent visit to Punjab, calling it highly regrettable. He said he was in Karachi on Imran Khan’s instructions to meet party leaders and allies in Sindh.

Afridi claimed that despite fulfilling all legal requirements, authorities have not yet responded to PTI’s request for permission to hold the Karachi rally, but insisted that the gathering would take place and would be historic.

He further said that Imran Khan’s movement is not about gaining power but about restoring an independent judiciary, free media, and true freedom, adding that this is why the PTI founder and his wife are unjustly imprisoned. He alleged that Imran Khan’s basic human rights are being violated, as his family and associates are not allowed to meet him.

Calling Imran Khan the most popular leader in the country, Suhail Afridi claimed that his government was removed illegally on April 9 and that PTI’s mandate is being stolen. He said the struggle is not personal but for the rights of all citizens.

He also criticized restrictions on journalists, alleging growing authoritarianism, and urged the media to stand with PTI. Afridi said that while Sindh is still under Zardari’s influence rather than Bhutto’s vision, PTI remains satisfied for now. He concluded by stating that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa trust PTI and Imran Khan, which is why they have given him a mandate for the third time.