Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly criticized the federal government, attributing the recent resurging threat of terrorism in the Malakand Division to ineffective federal security policies and border oversight.
Speaking in Swat, Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that the provincial administration will not tolerate renewed extremism under any circumstances, asserting that establishing lasting peace remains the top priority for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Key Highlights of the Chief Minister’s Briefing:
- Critique of Federal and Border Oversight: Afridi stated that border security institutions need to perform their duties more effectively. He questioned federal strategy, arguing that despite 2026 being designated as a year of peace, militants are being allowed leeway.
- Security Concerns Across Malakand: Highlighting the spreading threat, the Chief Minister warned that while Swat is currently affected, neighboring districts like Buner could soon face similar instability if immediate corrective action is not taken.
- Institutional Empowerment & Public Support: Reaffirming support for local law enforcement, Afridi pledged to further strengthen the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), calling on the public to stand alongside police forces who have made immense sacrifices.
- Governance and Decision-Making: Afridi criticized closed-door political decision-making, warning that excluding public interest and meddling in non-political affairs risks sparking widespread public backlash and unrest.
📊 Fact-Sheet Summary
- Speaker: Sohail Afridi (Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
- Location: Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Primary Topic: Regional security, anti-terrorism strategy, and federal policy critique.
- Regions Highlighted: Malakand Division (specifically Swat and Buner).
- Key Demands: Stricter counter-terrorism policies, effective border security, empowerment of KP Police & CTD, and transparent public-centric governance
