Peshawar, October 13, 2025: Newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has categorically ruled out any possibility of a military operation in the province, declaring that such measures “are not a solution to the country’s problems.”
In his maiden address to the KP Assembly after being elected as the 30th Chief Minister, Afridi aligned himself firmly with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s stance against armed operations, calling instead for an inclusive and consultative approach to policymaking.
“Military operations are not a solution to any problem. Imran Khan is against such operations, and as long as we are here, no such move will be allowed,” Afridi said to loud applause from PTI lawmakers.
He urged national leaders to involve the provincial government and tribal representatives in decisions related to security and border policies, saying such matters “should not be decided in closed rooms.”
‘Afghan policy needs review’
Afridi also called for a reassessment of Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy, arguing that regional peace depended on dialogue and mutual understanding.
“There was no issue with Afghanistan during Imran Khan’s tenure. Today, Afghans are being pushed out after 40 years,” he said. “Whatever new policy you make, please take the tribal people and KP government into confidence.”
The Chief Minister accused previous governments of “trading the heads of Pakhtuns” and warned against policies that could “reignite unrest in the region.”
‘KP belongs only to Imran Khan’
Reaffirming his loyalty to his party founder, Afridi said:
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belongs only to Imran Khan, and only he will run it.”
Calling himself a “champion of protest politics,” he vowed to resist any move to relocate Imran Khan without consultation.
“If Imran Khan is shifted from jail without our consultation, the entire country will be jammed,” he warned.
Afridi, who hails from the tribal districts, highlighted his humble background, saying he was neither a Bhutto, Sharif, nor Zardari.
“I reached here through hard work, not through a slip,” he said, adding that his election symbolized an effort to end the sense of deprivation among the tribal people.
He thanked former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his support, particularly in ensuring the care of Afghan refugees, and credited PTI’s social media team as “Pakistan’s biggest establishment.”
Afridi also paid tribute to slain journalist Arshad Sharif, calling him “the biggest martyr,” and expressed gratitude to his party leadership and colleagues for entrusting him with the province’s top office.
