PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi rejected the existing counterterrorism mechanism and said the decisions made “behind closed doors” and “imposed” on the province failed to achieve desired results and lasting peace.
Speaking at the Aman Jirga held at the provincial assembly, Afridi stressed that true peace could only be attained through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders, not through unilateral policymaking.
“Peace can only be achieved with the complete eradication of terrorism, but policies decided behind closed doors have not yielded results,” Afridi said.
He reiterated his earlier stance that local representatives, political leaders, elders, and security institutions must collectively design counterterrorism strategies. “Policy-making should move out of closed rooms,” he asserted, adding that collaboration and inclusivity were essential to sustainable peace.
Afridi further said that military operations should always remain the last resort. “War should be the final option in counterterrorism efforts,” he added, emphasising the importance of dialogue and consensus-building.
The chief minister praised the sacrifices made by the people and security forces in the fight against terrorism, noting that the pain of violence transcended party lines. “When a bomb explodes, it does not see whether the victim belongs to PTI, PPP, or any other party,” he remarked.
Opposition Leaders Urge Coordination with Centre
Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain urged the KP government to prioritise the province’s welfare over political disputes with the federal government, calling for the release of NFC Award funds and greater empowerment of the police.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s former chief Siraj-ul-Haq said political conflicts were hindering development in the province. “Our people are suffering because of disputes among political parties,” he said.
Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Sherpao expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation, saying that government authority was “barely visible” in several districts. “Ongoing operations have created fear and displacement among locals,” he added.
KP Chief Minister stressed collective ownership of peace efforts. He assured his government’s support for serious initiatives against terrorism in the province.
