ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to meet Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi today (Monday) to review the overall security situation in the province, sources said. The high-level meeting comes at a sensitive time, as both governments face mounting challenges related to terrorism, governance, and public unrest.
Security Concerns and Tirah Valley Operations on Agenda
During the meeting, Chief Minister Afridi will raise serious concerns over the rising threat of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the sources. Moreover, the two leaders will discuss proposed security operations in the Tirah Valley and their potential impact on local populations. The issue of displacement of residents will feature prominently, along with deliberations on the payment of outstanding federal government dues to the province.
Meanwhile, tensions persist between the federal and provincial governments over the evacuation of residents from the Tirah Valley. The matter gained traction after the federal government stated that neither the Centre nor the military had issued orders to depopulate the area. However, both sides have since exchanged blame over who authorised the evacuation, as hundreds of residents left their homes amid fears of possible military action.
PTI Protest Plans Add Political Pressure
The meeting also takes place against the backdrop of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s plan to stage a protest march towards Islamabad. Chief Minister Afridi announced the plan while addressing a jirga, stating that the party would mobilise public support across the province. Furthermore, he revealed that a grand jirga involving key stakeholders would convene to deliberate on the proposed march and its objectives.
As a result, political and security developments continue to intersect, placing additional pressure on both governments. Observers believe the outcome of today’s meeting could shape coordination between the Centre and the province in the coming days.
