PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi delivered a defiant speech, asserting the province’s rights and challenging critics of the PTI government. The Chief Minister clarified that the administration’s role is to serve the public rather than act as a housing authority that occupies land, noting that the district administration has been directed to resolve all outstanding issues regarding the project.
Chief Minister Afridi highlighted a massive investment of Rs 200 billion for Peshawar, describing the city as the “heart of the province” that warrants priority.
He pointed to the successful completion of the BRT project and announced that the feasibility for the Outer Ring Road will be finalised soon. Addressing political pushback, he remarked that since the announcement of the development package, certain quarters have been “shouting,” and claimed that billions are being spent on digital media campaigns to defame his government. In a bold challenge to his opponents, he offered an open invitation to prove any corruption against him, stating, “If they prove any corruption, I am ready to resign myself.”
Turning his attention to the province’s struggle for resources, Afridi vowed to fight the case for KP’s share of national wealth. He alleged that Rs 500 billion belonging to the province is being usurped annually and criticised the ongoing discrimination regarding energy resources. He noted that while KP produces 400 mmcfd of gas and uses only 150 mmcfd, providing the rest to the country, the province is still denied its due rights while local CNG pumps remain closed.
Closing his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that his struggle is for the benefit of the people rather than personal gain. “I am not greedy for the chair, and I am not afraid of death; life and death are in the hands of Allah,” he stated. He reiterated that KP produces more electricity than it consumes and pledged to continue the fight for the province’s NFC share and resources until victory is achieved.
He also challenged his political opponents to provide proof of corruption against him; if they succeed, he would resign.
