Sohail Afridi says KP Police, CTD key to restoring peace

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that lasting peace in the province can only be ensured by

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that lasting peace in the province can only be ensured by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), stressing that no other force can replace their role in maintaining law and order.

Speaking to reporters after visiting those injured in the recent explosion in Swat, the chief minister said peace is a shared responsibility and a common need for every citizen. He added that all political parties, religious groups, and people from different schools of thought are united in their desire to restore peace across the province.

Afridi said the provincial government remains fully committed to its security policy and will implement it without compromise. He urged the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stand together in support of peace and stability.

He praised the sacrifices made by the provincial police and said the government is providing the force with all the resources it needs to combat terrorism and maintain security. According to the chief minister, more than Rs35 billion has been allocated to strengthen police infrastructure, modern equipment, and operational capacity.

He maintained that the KP Police and CTD have the experience, capability, and commitment required to tackle security challenges and said no third party could establish peace in the province more effectively than these institutions.

The chief minister said peace is essential for economic growth and public prosperity, adding that development cannot take place without a secure environment. He reaffirmed that strengthening law enforcement agencies remains one of the provincial government’s top priorities.

Commenting on national politics, Afridi criticised the federal government, claiming it came to power through what he described as a “Form 47 mandate.” He urged the federal leadership to focus on addressing its own governance and economic challenges instead of criticising the provincial government.

He also alleged that Rs5 trillion had been paid under the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) framework and claimed that the country’s economic indicators, including GDP growth, were declining.