Sohail Afridi Cautions Against Regional Tensions Impacting KP

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday warned that the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s approach toward neighbouring countries could have serious repercussions for the northwestern province.

While speaking to journalists, Afridi voiced concern over what he described as a troubling environment being shaped in relations with neighbouring states. He cautioned that such policies could directly affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remarking that Pakistan cannot afford any misstep at this sensitive juncture. “God forbid, but I fear its consequences will become visible,” he said.

The chief minister stressed that any regional escalation would inevitably have a direct impact on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He clarified that his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials were not meant to safeguard his political position, but to prevent circumstances similar to those faced by Balochistan from developing in KP.

Afridi stated that if such a situation were to emerge, responsibility would rest with the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government for failing to adequately address provincial concerns during its tenure.

He also revealed that he had proposed the formation of a national jirga to initiate dialogue with Afghanistan, but said the proposal did not receive serious consideration from the relevant quarters.

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Responding to questions about the youth force announced to press for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, Afridi categorically ruled out any armed movement. He emphasized that the youth force would not carry weapons and would remain non-violent. Referring to past protests, he said that if a situation similar to November 26 were to arise again, PTI supporters would confront it politically.

The chief minister further disclosed that a helicopter used in a rescue operation had crashed and would be replaced. However, he made it clear that no aircraft would be procured for personal or luxury use.