After 22 Major Operations, What Guarantee Is There That Peace Will Be Achieved? Questions KP Chief Minister

**Khyber:** Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has questioned the effectiveness of repeated security operations, stating that after 22 major and nearly 14,000 small operations, there is still no guarantee that lasting peace will be established.

During his visit to Tirah Valley to meet the affected residents, the chief minister said that what the people of Tirah are facing is unacceptable and that despite repeated failures, decisions continue to be made behind closed doors. He remarked that whenever a change in failed policies is demanded, critics are labeled as supporters of terrorists, and calls for consultation are met with allegations of links to smugglers.

Sohail Afridi said that due to his opposition to these policies, both he and his people are being targeted. “They know that my heart beats for my people, which is why my land is being targeted,” he added.

The chief minister emphasized that his government has raised its voice for peace from day one. “We opposed operations in the past, we oppose them today, and we will not be part of this failed policy in the future either,” he said.

Addressing the displaced people, he assured them of his full support, saying he was one of them and would stand with them like a mountain until his last breath. He criticized the launch of operations through force and coercion, stating that after announcing operations, people were pushed into pain and suffering and then left helpless.

He further said that the protection and dignity of the affected people is now his direct responsibility, and any negligence in addressing their problems would be unacceptable. The chief minister directed all relevant departments to take emergency measures to immediately ease the hardships of Tirah affectees, ordering that harassment, unnecessary stoppages, and humiliating treatment of people in queues would not be tolerated.

He also instructed that more NADRA offices be established on an emergency basis to speed up the registration process. Reiterating his commitment to peace, Sohail Afridi said, “We promise to replace the gun with the pen. A consensus-based policy, developed through consultation with all stakeholders, is the only way to achieve permanent and sustainable peace.”