Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned that the prevailing regional situation and government’s policies towards neighbouring countries could have serious consequences for the northwestern province of Pakistan.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Afridi expressed concern that the kind of environment being created in relations with neighbouring states may directly impact the province. “God forbid, but I have concerns — you will see its effects,” he said, adding that Pakistan cannot afford any misadventure at this critical time.
He maintained that any such development would have a direct impact on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Afridi clarified that his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials were not aimed at saving his political seat, but rather to prevent a situation similar to Balochistan from emerging in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stated that had such a situation arisen, he would have held the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government responsible for failing to take provincial issues seriously.
Afridi revealed that he had proposed formation of a national jirga to be sent to Afghanistan for dialogue, but his suggestion was not taken into consideration.
Answering a question about the youth force he announced to build pressure for the release of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, Afridi said, “We will not engage in any kind of armed struggle.” He said the youth force would not carry Kalashnikovs or any other weapons. Referring to past incidents, Afridi said that if a situation like November 26 were to arise again, PTI supporters would face it.
He also mentioned that a helicopter used during a rescue operation had crashed, and it would be purchased again. However, he emphasized that no aircraft would be bought for personal luxury purposes.
