National ( The cow news digital ) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has called for a joint strategy against drone strikes in tribal areas, urging opposition parties to support legislation aimed at addressing the growing security concerns in the province.
Speaking during a special session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, convened to discuss alleged drone strikes in tribal districts, Afridi made a striking claim that drone attacks tend to intensify whenever he announces plans to visit Punjab or launch political activities.
He stated that authorities cannot directly register cases against those responsible for drone operations due to constitutional protections. However, he emphasized the need for legal measures to compensate victims and prevent further civilian losses.
Afridi revealed that drones reportedly hovered over his residence for three consecutive days, describing the incidents as alarming. He argued that each time he plans political engagements in Punjab or other provinces, either drone strikes increase or law and order issues emerge in the province.
The chief minister strongly criticized military-based approaches to regional security, saying such actions have failed to deliver long-term peace over the past two decades. Referring to Imran Khan’s stance, Afridi said military operations cannot bring sustainable peace and instead fuel anger among affected communities.
According to Afridi, drone strikes often result in civilian casualties, particularly children, which creates resentment and revenge among local populations, ultimately worsening instability in the region. He questioned why tribal communities continue to bear the consequences of these operations while other regions remain unaffected.
He also raised concerns over enforced disappearances under the “Action in Aid of Civil Power” law, alleging that many young people have been detained without accountability. He said the provincial cabinet has recommended repealing the law, but the matter remains delayed due to a lack of information regarding hundreds of listed suspects.
Afridi criticized the treatment of elected representatives at security checkpoints, claiming that even top provincial officials cannot hold security personnel accountable for misconduct. He questioned whether such practices reflect democratic governance.
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Addressing energy issues, he highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces 400 MMCFD of gas while its demand stands at only 150 MMCFD, yet local districts are being denied their constitutional share.
At the end of his speech, Afridi announced a major tribal grand jirga scheduled for Saturday, where government and opposition members will discuss future action against drone strikes and other regional concerns.
