PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet on Friday decided to withdraw what it described as “politically motivated” cases registered during the May 9 and 10 riots, saying they lacked credible evidence. However, the government did not share details regarding the number or nature of the cases to be withdrawn.
The cabinet meeting — chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi via video link and attended by provincial ministers, the chief secretary and administrative secretaries — approved a series of policy and administrative decisions, according to an official statement.
Posting, transfer policy sent for review
The cabinet referred the proposed posting and transfer policy to a relevant committee for further examination. It also forwarded to committee the matter of allocating reserved seats for medical and dental colleges to students from merged districts following the bifurcation of South Waziristan.
The provincial government approved the nomination of mill representatives for the KP Sugarcane and Sugar Beet Control Board (2025–26) and received a detailed briefing on wheat stocks, inter-provincial movement and procurement strategy. The already-notified committee was empowered to take necessary steps for additional procurement if required.
Financial approvals, CTD funding
The cabinet approved financial assistance for two patients undergoing kidney and bone marrow transplants. It also cleared the release of funds under the District Development Plan and District Development Initiatives to expedite ongoing projects.
A special grant of Rs150 million for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) was also approved.
The forum endorsed recommendations by the committee formed to suggest measures following the repeal of the Action in Aid of Civil Powers law, and referred the inquiry into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar attack to a provincial assembly special committee.
CM Afridi criticises federal ministers’ presser
In his remarks, Chief Minister Afridi issued policy guidelines emphasising good governance, transparency and digitalisation. He instructed departments to prioritise online participation in official meetings to reduce government expenditure.
He condemned a recent press conference by federal ministers, terming it “inhuman, immoral and unconstitutional”.
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The CM also criticised the alleged treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife in jail, saying Imran was “a leader of the entire nation” and that solitary confinement was unacceptable.
Afridi reiterated that all government recruitment would be done exclusively through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), ruling out the involvement of private testing bodies.
Cabinet decides May 9 and 10 cases registered without credible evidence would be withdrawn. https://t.co/NlbL2Qb5Gb
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 6, 2025
Border closure, NFC concerns
He voiced concerns over the 55-day closure of the Torkham border, saying truck drivers and travellers — especially women, children and the elderly — were suffering. He directed the Khyber district administration to provide immediate food, shelter and essential facilities.
Commenting on the recent NFC meeting, the chief minister said KP had forcefully presented its case for its constitutional share. He termed the continued denial of Rs1.375 trillion to merged districts “a grave injustice”.
Afridi also ordered the expedited provision of bulletproof vehicles to district administration officials, instructing departments to remove procurement delays.
