PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to terrorism, declaring that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has endured the scourge of militancy for over two decades. Addressing the Grand Peace Jirga held at the Provincial Assembly on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that the time has come to move beyond temporary measures and devise a collective, lasting policy to secure peace in the province and the region.
The jirga was attended by the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Opposition Leader, Deputy Speaker, PTI’s Provincial President Junaid Akbar, political leaders from across the spectrum, religious scholars, journalists, and representatives from various segments of society.
In his address, the Chief Minister lauded the participation of all political parties and stakeholders, calling the gathering a “collective effort for a shared cause.” He noted that political differences are natural in a democracy, but peace is a common objective that transcends all divisions. “When a terrorist attack occurs, it does not discriminate between political affiliations or schools of thought. Therefore, we must unite to formulate a policy acceptable to all and capable of ensuring lasting peace,” he stated.
Sohail Afridi criticized the practice of making decisions behind closed doors, asserting that such approaches have failed to yield durable results. “We need a real policy shift. A policy that involves all political leaders, security forces, civil society, and representatives of every community. Without consulting those directly affected by insecurity, no solution can be sustainable,” he said. Highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s immense sacrifices, the Chief Minister recalled that the province has suffered the most in the fight against terrorism, with security forces, police, politicians, and civilians all bearing heavy losses. Yet, he added, the people’s resolve for peace has never wavered.
Discussing financial and constitutional challenges, Sohail Afridi said that while the administrative merger of the erstwhile FATA has been completed, their financial integration remains pending. He noted that if the merged districts were fully incorporated financially, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s share in the NFC Award should rise from 14.6 percent to 19.4 percent which is equivalent to approximately Rs. 400 billion. He reminded the federal government of its commitment to provide Rs. 100 billion annually for the development of merged districts, of which Rs. 500 billion remain outstanding out of a total of Rs. 700 billion. Additionally, he stated that the federal government owes the province Rs. 2,200 billion in net hydel profit arrears.
“We provide the country with electricity, gas, and natural resources, yet our rightful dues are withheld. This stepmotherly treatment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unacceptable,” he remarked, urging political representatives within the federal government to raise the province’s case forcefully at national level.
Touching upon Pak-Afghan relations, the Chief Minister underscored that developments in bilateral dialogue have direct implications for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He called for provincial stakeholders to be consulted in any such discussions, given the province’s deep social, cultural, and linguistic ties with the Afghan people. “If these relations are managed positively, they can serve as a foundation for peace and stability across the entire region,” he said, stressing that Pakistan seeks peace and that war should always remain a last resort.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring durable peace in the province through inclusive dialogue, institutional cooperation, and full mobilization of resources. “This jirga represents the collective voice of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said”, adding that our shared mission is peace, stability, and a prosperous Pakistan.”
