CM Afridi vows to raise KP’s issues during meeting with PM

PESHAWAR:  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday said he had received an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and would use the upcoming meeting to raise the province’s grievances.

Addressing the Peace Jirga in Khyber district, CM Afridi accused the Centre of misappropriating billions meant for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of the province.

“When I allocated Rs4 billion, the federal government levelled allegations of corruption,” he said, adding that the provincial government would instead allocate Rs100 billion for affected IDPs.

Federal ministers have alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led KP government engaged in corrupt practices while allocating funds for migrating families in Tirah Valley.

Meanwhile, CM Afridi condemned the terrorist attacks in Balochistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of 17 security personnel and 31 civilians.

He warned of “moves to impose governor’s rule in KP”, insisting attempts were being made to remove him through the courts.

He urged the jirga participants to decide whether to return to Tirah or proceed to Islamabad in protest. Participants reportedly raised their hands in favour of marching to Islamabad, showing support for his plan.

“I will visit all tribal districts before taking a final decision on the protest,” he added.

A day earlier, the Khyber Qaumi Jirga demanded that the federal and provincial governments provide facilities to IDPs from Tirah Valley.

A number of political leaders, tribal elders, displaced families and other stakeholders spoke at the jirga, which was organised by the Bara Seyasi Ittehad.

They urged the government to show solidarity with families displaced from Tirah and ensure their immediate and dignified rehabilitation. Staff Report