Peshawar ( The COW News Digital)Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has issued a strong warning, declaring that if he is not allowed to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, he will announce his future course of action. Addressing the provincial assembly, Afridi emphasized that he will only engage with the federal interior ministry after meeting his party leader.
Afridi criticized the federal agenda, saying it had little to do with law and order and failed to reflect the province’s priorities. “A lion’s one day of rule is better than a jackal’s hundred years,” he remarked, pledging to uphold the dignity and rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He paid tribute to Muzzammil Aslam for “fighting the province’s case” at the federal level and accused Punjab of blocking wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “I raised the wheat issue in the Prime Minister’s meeting,” he said, urging the federal government to act fairly toward the province.
On the issue of Afghan refugees, Afridi reiterated that the provincial stance is aligned with the national policy. “Those who have been living here for 40 to 45 years should be repatriated with dignity,” he said, adding that the recent federal directive to dismantle refugee camps overnight was a result of the provincial government’s firm position.
The Chief Minister also demanded the release of Rs. 500 billion owed by the federation to the province, criticizing the center for providing outdated vehicles and inadequate support. He stressed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not accept “closed-door decisions” that ignore ground realities.
Afridi announced the establishment of a medical college and a university in the merged tribal districts, along with the creation of women’s police stations and a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption. “No false FIRs will be registered, and no student or political worker will be detained under 3 MPO,” he assured.
Rejecting allegations of confrontation with state institutions, Afridi said, “I am only asking to meet my leader and follow the Constitution. Is that confrontation?” He accused certain quarters of running a campaign to portray him as defiant.
“If I am stopped from meeting Imran Khan, I will take my case to the people,” Afridi concluded, hinting at public rallies across Charsadda, Khyber, and Karak to announce his next move.
