ISLAMABAD -UNS: The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi, addressed a tribal Loya Jirga, expressing deep concern over the mistreatment of citizens at security check posts.
He stated that such behavior is fostering resentment and unrest among the public. During the gathering, participants strongly condemned recent drone strikes that resulted in the deaths of women, children, and elderly civilians, and called for renewed negotiations with all stakeholders.
The Jirga announced the formation of a smaller committee tasked with engaging the federal government and other relevant parties in dialogue. It warned that if negotiations fail, a march toward Islamabad will be organized, and protesters will not return until peace is restored. Immediate practical steps to prevent further drone attacks were also demanded.
Afridi noted that attempts by militant elements to re-enter Malakand had been rejected by local residents. He emphasized that lasting peace depends on active public resistance against instability. The provincial cabinet, he added, has already decided to repeal controversial laws such as the Action in Aid of Civil Power regulation.
He raised concerns about 970 individuals allegedly detained in various centers without transparency, stating that repeated requests for their records have gone unanswered.
Afridi criticized the failure of 22 major military operations and thousands of intelligence-based actions to establish peace, calling the situation alarming.
He reaffirmed a commitment to peaceful struggle, warning against efforts to provoke tribal youth. Highlighting financial grievances, he said merged districts were promised significant funding, most of which remains unpaid. The Jirga will also pursue these constitutional and financial rights.
