KP CM Sohail Afridi Criticises Security Policies, Says Province Paid Heavy Human Cost

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday criticised Pakistan’s past security policies, saying decisions made without public consultation had cost the province around 80,000 lives over the past two decades. He also reaffirmed that the provincial government would oppose the imposition of taxes in the merged tribal districts and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).

Speaking at a ceremony in Kabal, Swat, where he inaugurated and launched several development projects, the chief minister called for a review of security policies, arguing that public engagement was essential to achieving lasting peace in the province.

CM Calls For Policy Review

Afridi said the security strategy introduced in 2004 had failed to deliver lasting stability. Referring to ongoing security challenges, he questioned why militant groups had not been fully eliminated despite years of counterterrorism operations.

He said the province had lost civilians, police personnel, Pakistan Army soldiers and members of other security institutions, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had borne a significant human cost in the fight against terrorism.

Government Opposes Taxes In PATA And Former FATA

The chief minister reiterated that no new taxes would be imposed in PATA or the merged tribal districts, formerly known as FATA. He announced that a jirga had been convened at the Chief Minister’s House to discuss the issue.

Afridi said the PTI government introduced tax exemptions for the region in 2018, while former Prime Minister Imran Khan later extended those exemptions until 2023. He added that residents of Malakand Division and the merged districts had already made major sacrifices during years of conflict and displacement.

Confidence In Security Improvements

Afridi expressed hope that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would witness improved security during the current year through the efforts of the provincial police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

He also reiterated his political support for PTI founder Imran Khan and claimed he had not been allowed to meet the jailed former prime minister.

Development Projects In Swat

During the visit, the chief minister inaugurated the Rs9.9 billion University of Computing Sciences and Information Technology in Kabal, where four BS and two MS programmes are currently being offered to 269 students.

He also inaugurated the Rs395 million Badalai Bridge, the Rs214 million Special Children School and Teacher Training Centre, and the Kabal Police Facilitation Centre.

In addition, Afridi laid the foundation stone of the Rs1.437 billion Wenei-Gat Road project and announced that the under-construction Paeds Hospital in Kabal would be completed to strengthen healthcare services in the region.

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