PESHAWAR — In a strongly-worded address at the Peshawar Police Headquarters on Friday, February 6, 2026, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi lauded the province’s police as the “frontline” against terrorism while slamming the federal leadership for failing to acknowledge their heavy toll.
CM Afridi asserted that while the police have never shied away from sacrifice, a “particular mindset at the helm of affairs” in the country—referring to the federal government—has consistently overlooked the blood spilled by KP’s law enforcement.
Major Financial Boost for Security Infrastructure
To back his verbal support with resources, the Chief Minister handed over a massive cache of security equipment, including bulletproof vehicles, sniper rifles, and modern SMGs. He detailed a significant release of funds aimed at modernization:
- CTD Empowerment: Rs7.7 billion provided to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department.
- Intelligence Upgrade: Rs7.2 billion approved for the Special Branch.
- Merged Districts: Rs6.5 billion released to improve security infrastructure in the tribal districts.
- Safe Cities Expansion: An additional Rs3.8 billion grant to expand the project from Peshawar to divisional headquarters.
خیبر امن جرگے کے ۳ فیصلے:
۱) ہمیں جبری طور پر اپنے گھروں سے بےدخل کیا ہے۔ لہٰذا وفاقی حکومت اور جس جس نے ہماری قربانی کو مزاق بنایا ہے وہ معافی مانگ کر اپنے الفاظ واپس لے۔۲) بار بار اپنے گھروں سے بے دخلی بند کمروں کے فیصلوں کا نتیجہ ہے۔ اس دفعہ ہمارا رُخ پُرامن طور پر اسلام… pic.twitter.com/BCzBZnG11N
— Sohail Afridi (@SohailAfridiISF) February 1, 2026
Political Friction and the “Imposed” Decisions
Afridi, a stalwart of the PTI, used the platform to criticize the federal government’s approach to regional security and political mandate:
- Anti-Militancy Strategy: He argued that decisions “taken behind closed doors” and imposed on the province had caused significant damage. He cited a recent KP Assembly jirga which concluded that military operations are not a standalone solution and called for a long-term policy involving tribal elders and religious parties.
- May 9 Cases: The CM regretted that “pressure” was being exerted on the police regarding the May 9 violence cases against him, urging political rivals to allow the force to remain non-political.
- Mandate Controversy: Responding to reporters, he labeled February 8 (the anniversary of the 2024 elections) as a “day of disrespect for the voters’ mandate,” criticizing the installation of a federal government with limited seats.
Solidarity with Balochistan
Despite the friction with the Centre, Afridi condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, expressing grief and solidarity with the affected families. He maintained that KP’s police are fully prepared for any “untoward situation” and remain committed to the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan regarding a professional, interference-free police force.
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