Shafaqna Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday stated that he is willing to engage with anyone, including those he may personally dislike, for the welfare of his province—but only on the basis of equality and not under coercion.
“I will sit with everyone for the rights of my people and the province. I will even sit with those I dislike, but only on equal terms. We will not sit with anyone under threats,” Afridi said during the annual convocation of the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar. “I will not engage with anyone for personal gain,” he added.
Accompanied by MPA Meena Khan Afridi, the chief minister congratulated the 620 graduates of the 2025 academic year. The university awarded a total of 537 BSc, 38 MSc, and 4 PhD degrees across departments including Industrial, Mechatronics, Computer Systems, and Electronics Engineering.
Education reforms
The chief minister said modern scientific courses have been introduced at the university. “Due to old courses, the university was producing forces of unemployed people. Now, with new subjects and programmes, students are getting jobs before graduating,” he said.
“There is no shortage of talent in K-P, but our youth were not given opportunities,” Afridi stated.
Security and politics
Turning to political matters, the chief minister said K-P has been a victim of unrest, and the youth could have achieved much as others do. “This time it will not happen; we will not make K-P an experimental laboratory,” he stated.
He further claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government at the Centre was ended under a conspiracy. “Imran Khan’s government was toppled in closed rooms,” he said.
However, he said that a meeting had also been held with the Apex Committee and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding security. “An important meeting is also being held for the establishment of law and order,” Afridi added.
Economy and corruption
Chief Minister Afridi stated that inflation is high at 45%. “The IMF has issued a charge sheet stating that Rs5,300 billion in corruption took place, but no one seems to care. The tax money of the poor has been embezzled through corruption,” he said.
“No media is talking about the IMF’s Rs5,300 billion corruption charge. A watch acquired through legal means is considered a crime, but acquiring a vehicle through illegal means is not considered a crime,” he added.
Provincial grievances
Afridi also criticised silence on certain issues, including corruption and what he termed forced evacuations. He stated, “For 58 years, an imposed mindset has wanted our people not to progress. For Tirah affectees, raising Rs4 billion has created an uproar.”
“If we do not raise our voice, we will be carrying funerals; we are tired of carrying funerals. We will raise the banner of rebellion. We will rebel against those who are buying islands with public money. I stand like a rock for your rights,” he asserted.
Federal dues and employment
The chief minister vowed to obtain Rs4,700 billion from the federal government. “The dues of the province that the federation has withheld, I will obtain them with your support,” he said.
He added that we would make every possible effort to ensure that K-P’s youth does not remain unemployed. “Apart from government jobs, employment opportunities have to be created,” Afridi said.
Source: Express Tribune
