PESHAWAR: Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has said that the formation of the cabinet has been delayed due to his inability to meet with Imran Khan, but he will exercise his constitutional and legal rights.
During his address at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session, he clarified that the recent meeting with the Prime Minister was not focused on law and order, but rather on issues concerning Afghan refugees and food emergencies. He commended Muzammil Aslam for effectively representing the province’s interests.
Afridi criticized the federal government, asserting that the Punjab government had halted the supply of flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he deemed a violation of Article 151 of the Constitution. This halt has led to inflation in the province due to the flour shortage.
Regarding Afghan refugees, the Chief Minister reiterated that the province’s stance has been consistent. He noted that there are 43 Afghan camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which were abruptly closed via a notification, while the provincial government believes they should have been given more time. He mentioned that the Prime Minister has instructed the Interior Minister to consult with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on this matter.
Afridi also highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is owed Rs 500 billion by the federal government, expressing hope that the opposition will support the government in addressing this issue. He stated that the people have repeatedly given the province a chance due to the government’s performance over the past 13 years, emphasising that future policies will be shaped by the will of the people, not behind closed doors.
He announced plans to establish a “Tribal University” for the tribal community and an “Investigative Journalism and Modern University” named after Arshad Sharif Shaheed. Additionally, he revealed plans for women’s police stations and the “New Billion Tree Tsunami” project.
The Chief Minister expressed his determination to bring substantial change to the bureaucracy, assuring that visible improvements will occur. He criticised federal ministers for attempting to undermine the provincial government with fabricated statements. He asserted that if advocating for the constitution and the law constitutes a conflict, he will continue to do so. He emphasised the importance of exercising his right to meet with the founder of PTI, stating that if this right is denied, he will take his concerns to the people.
In outlining his political strategy, he announced that he will visit Charsadda on Friday, attend a jirga in Khyber on the 25th, and travel to Karak on October 26, where he will share future plans.
