Afridi Shifts Blame to Islamabad, Vows Cooperation on National Interest
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has categorically rejected federal government assertions that his province is negligent on security, instead calling for a fundamental change in Islamabad’s policies. Speaking at a public gathering in Peshawar on Sunday, the provincial chief executive shifted responsibility for ongoing security challenges to the federal administration.
“They say KP is not serious about security matters… it is not our fault, you should change your policies,” Afridi stated. He emphasized that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government does not “critique policies for the sake of criticism, but also propose solutions,” pledging to cooperate on matters of national interest while defending his administration’s governance record.
Governance Claims and Allegations of Elite Corruption
The chief minister contrasted KP’s political stability—where his party has been elected for a third consecutive term—with areas where he claimed governance has collapsed. He pointedly referenced the International Monetary Fund, suggesting it had presented a “charge sheet” elsewhere in the country.
In a sharp critique of federal financial management, Afridi alleged massive corruption, stating, “Rs5,300 billion was not brought from anyone’s personal pocket; it is taxpayers’ money. The elite mafia and those who control the country have stolen these funds. We will not let them take it.”
Constitutional and Border Policy Critiques from PTI Leadership
PTI leader Asad Qaiser, speaking alongside Afridi, raised separate constitutional and border security concerns. He argued that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments have made courts “subservient,” warning that the nation would stand against such measures.
Qaiser directly linked Afghanistan-related security challenges to failures in federal border policy, urging the government to “give peace a chance.” His comments come amid a significant surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s bordering provinces since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in Kabul.
Escalating Security Crisis and Political Tensions
Official data underscores the deteriorating security situation. A police report noted that KP alone recorded over 600 terror incidents in the first eight months of 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 79 police personnel and 138 civilians. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to address safe havens used by outlawed groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The political friction escalated last month when State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said the federal government was considering imposing governor’s rule in KP, citing poor governance, terrorism, and the volatile border situation. The suggestion provoked a defiant response from CM Afridi, who dared the Centre to attempt the move, asserting “there is no need for any other rule in the province.”
The ongoing dispute highlights deepening fissures between the PTI-led provincial government and the federal administration over responsibility for security and governance amid a persistent militant threat.
