Forward Bloc Reports in KP Are Mere Propaganda, Says CM Sohail Afridi
Quetta (News Desk) — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has dismissed reports of a forward bloc within the province as propaganda, claiming the narrative is being promoted to divert attention from the federal budget and its impact on the public.
Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Sohail Afridi said that only PTI founder Imran Khan has the authority to end the PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that he would continue to serve as Chief Minister unless he receives a new directive from Imran Khan.
Afridi said that Imran Khan had previously expressed confidence in his leadership, adding that no force could remove him from the position as long as he enjoyed the PTI founder’s support.
Commenting on the provincial budget, the Chief Minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet had already approved the budget papers. He maintained that the government had not presented a surplus budget and would instead introduce a people-friendly budget focused on public welfare.
He said the provincial government’s priorities include health, education, agriculture, youth development, and forestry. According to Afridi, several public-oriented initiatives will be included in the upcoming budget, while the effects of the federal budget will be felt across all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Chief Minister also called for Imran Khan to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. He said PTI wants the former prime minister to receive medical care in the presence of his family members and personal physician.
Afridi further alleged that restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan were being imposed for reasons beyond security concerns and urged authorities to at least allow family members access if others were not permitted to meet him.
