KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi Vows Protest for Imran Khan Meeting, Warns Against Use of Force
Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that his party will continue with its planned protest to seek a meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, warning that any use of force against demonstrators would be unacceptable.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Warsak Road (Ring Road Phase-II) flyover in Peshawar, Afridi said the provincial government is committed to pursuing its protest. He declared that if security forces opened fire on protesters, those responsible for issuing or carrying out such orders would bear responsibility. He also stated that if violence occurred, he would stand at the front of the protest, saying, “The first bullet should hit my chest.”
The chief minister inaugurated the 800-meter-long flyover project, estimated to cost Rs3.2 billion. The project, part of the Peshawar Revitalization Plan, is the largest flyover under the initiative and is expected to be completed within 180 days.
During his address, Afridi said his government is launching development projects every week and plans to invest Rs200 billion in Peshawar. Praising the city in Pashto, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its development.
He criticized past security policies, claiming that decisions made behind closed doors had contributed to terrorism and instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the tribal districts. He said his government aims to make 2026 and 2027 years of peace and development for the province.
Afridi also criticized the judiciary and the federal government, alleging obstacles to meeting Imran Khan and claiming that constitutional avenues had been exhausted, making peaceful protest a legitimate democratic right.
The chief minister further accused the federal government of discriminating against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the supply of electricity and natural gas. He alleged that prolonged power outages and inadequate energy supplies were being deliberately imposed on the province.
