Shamim shahid
In the wake of controversy surrounding the Tirrah operation and the resulting displacement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has urged federal policymakers to abandon “closed-door experiments” and engage in sincere dialogue to resolve pressing national issues, particularly terrorism and extremism.
Responding to recent statements by federal ministers about unrest in Tirrah Valley, located in the Khyber tribal district bordering Afghanistan, CM Afridi addressed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday. In his speech, he strongly criticized the federal government and its state institutions for what he described as a “stepmotherly attitude” toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its people.
“Some in the federal government are reluctant to see Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as calm and peaceful,” he said, adding that for the past 77 years, the province has repeatedly been kept in crisis and tension.
Afridi emphasized that all attempts by the federal government and its subordinate institutions to destabilize the province have failed. “As a result of these failed, outdated policies, the federal government has earned nothing but failure in both internal and external policies,” he said. Rather than continuing such flawed approaches, the Chief Minister urged the federal government to come to the table if it genuinely seeks an end to turmoil.
Highlighting ongoing political challenges, Afridi remarked, “Unfortunately, some in the federal government are reluctant to accept a boy from the tribal region as Chief Minister.” He recalled that in the past two years, certain circles in the federal government have broken all previous records of political victimization. He stressed that it is time for the federal government to acknowledge its missteps and recognize the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government as the elected representative of over 40 million people.
On the issue of the Tirrah Valley, Afridi reiterated his position that military operations are no longer effective solutions to terrorism. “Over the last two decades, numerous military operations have proven meaningless,” he said, urging the federal government to adopt a positive and civilized approach. He recommended inclusive policymaking, involving all stakeholders, noting that unrealistic federal policies have exacerbated terrorism, extremism, and other challenges, while complicating Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and other countries.
Afridi also raised concerns over Pakistan’s broader political and economic situation. He said the country faces severe security, administrative, and economic challenges, while political and parliamentary institutions are losing credibility. “Due to military involvement, almost all civil institutions are struggling with governance, affecting the country’s global reputation,” he added. With foreign reserves heavily reliant on grants and loans, Pakistan risks economic collapse.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister called for patient, tolerant dialogue among federal and state institutions. He emphasized that without ending internal rifts and hostilities, it will be difficult for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif or Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Asim Muneer to address terrorism, extremism, economic disorder, and political turmoil. CM Afridi reiterated that Rawalpindi and Islamabad must respect the mandate of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that such steps would place the federal government in a stronger position to tackle both internal and external challenges.
