KP CM Sohail Afridi Criticises Governor Kundi, Warns Against 'Another East Pakistan'

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly criticised Governor Faisal Karim Kundi over a meeting he chaired with the provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police, describing the move as unconstitutional. Afridi also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that its current actions could lead to a situation resembling “another East Pakistan.”
Addressing a provincial cabinet meeting, Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had an elected government with a two-thirds majority and that the provincial assembly, cabinet and government were fully functional.
The chief minister questioned the governor’s authority to convene meetings involving senior provincial officials on matters falling within the provincial government’s domain. He said the constitutional status of the governor’s recent meeting would be referred to the provincial Advocate General for a legal opinion.
Afridi said his government would not allow what he described as an attack on democracy and maintained that constitutional and legal procedures must be followed.
Criticism of PPP
The KP chief minister also criticised the PPP, alleging that the party had historically prioritised personal interests over national interests. Referring to the political developments surrounding the separation of East Pakistan, he alleged that the current actions of the party were creating the possibility of “another East Pakistan.”
The remarks represent the chief minister’s political position and allegations; they should be considered in the context of the ongoing political dispute between the provincial government, the governor and the federal government.
Federal Policies and Provincial Rights
Afridi also criticised the federal government over what he described as the unequal treatment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He raised the issue of financial rights for the merged tribal districts and outstanding compensation for people affected by conflict and military operations.
He called for an improvement in the province’s share under the National Finance Commission and demanded payment of outstanding amounts owed to the province.
The chief minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing the dual challenge of countering terrorism and dealing with what he described as problems created by federal policies.
Criticism of Counterterrorism Policy
Afridi also questioned the federal government’s counterterrorism strategy, arguing that years of operations had not resulted in lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He called for a change in policy and claimed that his proposed approach could restore peace in the province within 100 days.
Instructions to Chief Secretary and IGP
The chief minister directed the chief secretary and inspector general of police not to comply with any order they considered unconstitutional or illegal, stressing that the provincial government would continue to operate within the framework of the Constitution and law.
Afridi also highlighted the sacrifices made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and administration in the fight against terrorism and called for a policy shift to improve the province’s security situation.
Important Note: The political allegations, constitutional interpretations and policy claims cited in this report are attributed to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The positions of the federal government, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and the PPP may differ and should be considered separately.