ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that the federal government does not wish to change Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in the next six weeks.
Speaking to a private news channel, Chaudhry emphasized that the federal government’s desire is for Afridi to continue working effectively for the province.
“The federal government does not want to remove Sohail Afridi as the Chief Minister within the next six weeks. Our wish is for him to continue his work,” said Dr. Chaudhry, addressing rumours about a potential leadership change in KP.
On the other hand, PTI Senator and Barrister Ali Zafar expressed his apprehension regarding the arrest of political figures, claiming that solitary confinement of individuals including Imran Khan, is not allowed as per both international law and Pakistan’s constitution.
The political atmosphere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is still under scrutiny as both federal and provincial leaders try to maintain their positions amidst increasing tensions and legal battles.
ALSO READ: CM Afridi claims unequal resource distribution among provinces
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry rejects CM Afridi’s allegation of provincial discrimination
On November 23, Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, has refuted the allegations made by Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi regarding the federal government showing prejudice against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that there is no truth behind the allegations at all.
In his communication with the press, Chaudhry pointed out that the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has no intention of denying any province of their constitutional or National Finance Commission (NFC) rights.
He said Afridi’s claim of bias against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is untrue and noted that under the 27th constitutional amendment, proposals were made regarding contributions from provinces to support the armed forces, which were withdrawn after provinces disagreed. Chaudhry also mentioned discussions about provincial participation in national debt repayments.
Regarding Afridi’s presence on the no-fly list, Chaudhry stated that it predates his tenure as Chief Minister and can be removed following standard procedures, noting that many names have been cleared from no-fly and exit control lists in the past.
Chaudhry further appreciated Afridi’s intent to speak for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but said most PTI leaders’ public statements do not contribute to public welfare.
Commenting on Afridi’s meeting with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chaudhry clarified that meetings with prisoners are technical matters, not political issues, adding that Adiala Jail houses over 8,500 inmates, with family visits regulated according to established rules.
