CM Afridi vows to engage with ‘even those I dislike for KP rights’

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday declared he would sit even with those he dislikes for the people of his province, but only based on equality and not under threats.

“I will sit with everyone for the rights of my people and the province. I will sit even with those I dislike for my people, but on the basis of equality,” Afridi said while addressing the annual convocation ceremony of the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar. “We will not sit with anyone under threats,” he added.

“I will not sit with anyone for personal benefit,” the chief minister stressed.

Afridi, who arrived with MPA Meena Khan Afridi, congratulated the 620 male and female students who graduated in the academic year 2025. A total of 537 BSc, 38 MSc, and 4 PhD degrees were awarded to students from Industrial, Mechatronics, Computer Systems, Electronics Engineering, and other departments.

Education reforms: The chief minister said modern scientific courses have been introduced at the university. “Due to old courses, the university was producing forces of unemployed people. Now, with new subjects and programmes, students are getting jobs before graduating,” he said.

“There is no shortage of talent in K-P, but our youth were not given opportunities,” Afridi stated.

Security and politics: Turning to political matters, the chief minister said K-P has been a victim of unrest, and the youth could have achieved much as others do. “This time it will not happen; we will not make K-P an experimental laboratory,” he stated.

He further claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government at the Centre was ended under a conspiracy. “Imran Khan’s government was toppled in closed rooms,” he said.

However, he said that a meeting had also been held with the Apex Committee and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding security. “An important meeting is also being held for the establishment of law and order,” Afridi added.

Economy and corruption: Chief Minister Afridi stated that inflation is high at 45%. “The IMF has issued a charge sheet stating that Rs5,300 billion in corruption took place, but no one seems to care. The tax money of the poor has been embezzled through corruption,” he said.

“No media is talking about the IMF’s Rs5,300 billion corruption charge. A watch acquired through legal means is considered a crime, but acquiring a vehicle through illegal means is not considered a crime,” he added.

Provincial grievances: Afridi also criticised silence on certain issues, including corruption and what he termed forced evacuations. He stated, “For 58 years, an imposed mindset has wanted our people not to progress. For Tirah affectees, raising Rs4 billion has created an uproar.”

“If we do not raise our voice, we will be carrying funerals; we are tired of carrying funerals. We will raise the banner of rebellion. We will rebel against those who are buying islands with public money. I stand like a rock for your rights,” he asserted. Federal dues and employment: The chief minister vowed to obtain Rs4,700 billion from the federal government. “The dues of the province that the federation has withheld, I will obtain them with your support,” he said.

He added that we would make every possible effort to ensure that K-P’s youth does not remain unemployed. “Apart from government jobs, employment opportunities have to be created,” Afridi said. Staff Report