Afridi rejects proposals advocating need for military operation in KP

ISLAMABAD: Amid escalating militancy and terrorism in the province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday firmly rejected proposals for a military operation, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Islamabad Bar Association (IBA), he emphasised that calls for military action have been met with strong opposition across the political spectrum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He underscored the broad consensus to resolve the province’s growing security challenges through dialogue, rather than opting for a unilateral military offensive.

“The idea of military operations is rejected by all political factions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said. “We will not allow the province to be further destabilised by such tactics.”

Turning his attention to the political climate, Afridi spoke about the upcoming street protests organised by his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in response to the government’s actions.

He urged the legal community to defend judicial independence and uphold the constitution, rallying support for PTI’s street movement. “If we fail to protect the supremacy of the Constitution and an independent judiciary, future generations will condemn us. It is time for the lawyers’ community to rise in defence of these principles.”

Afridi also condemned the controversial 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which he said were part of an effort to undermine judicial independence, as well as the wrongful imprisonment of political leaders and activists.

The chief minister also pointed to Imran Khan’s case, emphasising that Khan’s legal struggle wasn’t about seeking personal freedom, but about fighting for a fair trial.

Afridi also praised Advocate Imaan Mazari, who was present at the event, for her outspoken resistance against government policies. He hailed her as a beacon of hope for the youth and a symbol of defiance in the fight for justice.

He also addressed the tragic assassination of journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya in October 2022, after he was forced to flee Pakistan due to threats to his life.

He condemned the failure to deliver justice for Sharif’s family, pointing out that the lack of accountability in this gruesome murder was a stark reflection of how the courts operate in this country.

Afridi also voiced his disappointment over being blocked from meeting with Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

Despite court orders granting permission for the meeting with Khan, he said jail authorities had denied his requests, further fuelling his criticism of the government’s handling of Khan’s case.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026