Sohail Afridi questions effectiveness of military operations in KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday visited Tirah Valley to meet the affected families and express solidarity with the victims, strongly criticizing ongoing policies and operations that, he said, have brought immense suffering to the local population.

Addressing residents during his visit, the chief minister said the situation faced by the people of Tirah was “unacceptable,” adding that repeated decisions taken behind closed doors had continued despite their consistent failures. “After 22 major and nearly 14,000 minor operations, what guarantee is there that peace will be established?” he questioned.

Afridi said that those demanding a change in what he termed failed policies were unfairly labelled as supporters of terrorism, while calls for consultation were met with accusations of links to smugglers. “I and my nation are being targeted because of my opposition to these policies,” he said, adding that his stance stemmed from the pain he felt for his people.

The chief minister reiterated that his government had raised its voice for peace from the very first day and maintained a consistent position against military operations. “We were against the operation yesterday, we are against it today, and we will not be part of this failed policy in the future,” he declared.

Condemning the launch of the operation, he said it was initiated through force and brutality, leaving innocent people helpless and pushing them into pain and suffering. “I am one of you and will stand with you like a mountain until my death,” he assured the people of Tirah.

Sohail Afridi stated that ensuring the protection and dignity of the affected population was now his direct responsibility and warned that any negligence in addressing the problems of Tirah victims would be intolerable. He ordered all relevant departments to take urgent measures to immediately alleviate the hardships being faced by the displaced families.

The chief minister also issued a stern warning to the district police officer and district administration, stating that stopping people at various places and forcing them to stand in queues would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He directed authorities to establish additional NADRA offices on an emergency basis to speed up the registration process.

“I promise the people that we will replace guns with pens,” Sohail Afridi said, emphasizing that a consensus-based policy formulated in consultation with all stakeholders was the only viable solution for achieving permanent and sustainable peace in the region.