Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed to strongly raise the province’s political, financial, and humanitarian concerns during his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Addressing a Peace Jirga in Khyber district, the chief minister said he had received an official invitation from the prime minister and would use the opportunity to present KP’s grievances at the highest level.
CM Afridi accused the federal government of misappropriating funds allocated for internally displaced persons from the province, particularly families affected in the Tirah Valley. He said that when the KP government allocated Rs4 billion for displaced families, allegations of corruption were levelled against his administration. In response, he announced that the province would now allocate Rs100 billion for IDPs to ensure proper rehabilitation and support.
Federal ministers have alleged that the PTI-led KP government mishandled funds meant for displaced families. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar recently questioned how the previously allocated Rs4 billion was spent, claiming that a jirga in Tirah had presented a charge sheet accusing the provincial government of mismanagement. While KP officials insist families were displaced due to military operations, the Centre maintains that the migration was seasonal, linked to harsh winter conditions.
CM Afridi also issued a strong warning about what he described as moves to impose governor rule in KP. He alleged that efforts were underway to remove him through legal channels, calling it a political conspiracy against the province’s elected government. He urged tribal elders and jirga participants to remain vigilant and united.
During the gathering, the chief minister condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians, expressing solidarity with the affected families.
CM Afridi asked jirga members to decide whether displaced families should return to Tirah or march to Islamabad in protest. A majority reportedly supported the protest option. However, he said he would first visit all tribal districts before taking a final decision.
The jirga also demanded immediate facilities and dignified rehabilitation for displaced families, urging both federal and provincial governments to act responsibly and show unity.
