Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has reaffirmed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s commitment to combating terrorism during a series of visits to Bannu and Hangu following recent attacks on security forces.
During his visit to Bannu in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on the Fateh Khel Police Check Post, the Chief Minister visited injured police personnel at the District Headquarters Hospital Bannu. Directing hospital authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment, Mr. Afridi stated that any negligence in the care of injured officers would not be tolerated.
Paying tribute to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police for their “exceptional courage and sacrifice,” the Chief Minister also met with the families of personnel martyred in the attack. He assured the bereaved that the provincial government would extend full support for their welfare, announcing that the government would bear all educational and related expenses for the children of the fallen personnel in addition to the existing martyrs’ package. Mr. Afridi announced the construction of a modern, fully equipped police station at the Fateh Khel Check Post.
Addressing a jirga at Bacha Khan Hall Bannu—attended by government officials, parliamentarians, local notables, and tribal elders—the Chief Minister reviewed the region’s counter-terrorism strategy and security situation. He noted that the police force has made “unparalleled sacrifices” while remaining on the frontlines of counter-terrorism for over two decades. Mr. Afridi claimed that flawed policies over the years have resulted in the deaths of over 80,000 security personnel, police, and civilians.
While asserting that relative peace had been restored by 2018, the Chief Minister argued that decisions made since 2022 have contributed to rising insecurity. He criticized “imposed policies” that he said have repeatedly subjected the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to cycles of instability, and violence. Mr. Afridi warned that continued instability would prolong suffering and called for all segments of society to unite to break the cycle of unrest, stating that the police and provincial government would take “indiscriminate action” against those disturbing the peace.
The Chief Minister also detailed a recent telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which he conveyed that “flawed federal policies” must be revisited, as mere expressions of condolence are insufficient. He further alleged that federal priorities have focused on “political engineering” rather than ensuring durable peace in the region.
Regarding peace initiatives, Mr. Afridi highlighted that a Grand Jirga held in the provincial assembly—including religious scholars, political parties, and representatives from various schools of thought—reached a consensus that force alone cannot ensure sustainable peace, though he noted these recommendations have not yet been implemented. He added that a tribal Loya Jirga recommended renewed dialogue, and confirmed that a representative jirga, including members from Bannu, would be formed to ensure local participation in peace efforts.
To enhance operational capacity, the Chief Minister stated that more than Rs30 billion has been allocated to the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department, and the Police. Additional allocations for modernization are planned under the next Annual Development Programme (ADP). He also mentioned that the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, closing all avenues for corrupt practices.
In a subsequent visit to District Hangu, Mr. Afridi met with families of those martyred in the Durrori Banda terrorist attack. During a jirga in Hangu with religious scholars, parliamentarians, and tribal elders, he described the collateral damage caused by repeated drone strikes and operations as a serious humanitarian concern. He reiterated that instability has resurfaced due to “externally driven policy decisions” despite the sacrifices of the province’s people and police.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister pledged continued efforts for public protection and the elimination of terrorism, asserting that sustainable peace would be pursued through inclusive engagement and consultation.
Analysis and Future Outlook
The Chief Minister’s focus on “inclusive engagement” and the formation of a representative jirga suggests that the provincial government may move toward more localized, dialogue-based peace strategies. If the recommendations of the Grand Jirga are eventually implemented, it could signal a shift away from a purely force-based approach to security.
However, the tension between provincial and federal priorities remains a critical factor. The Chief Minister’s call for the revision of “flawed federal policies” indicates that future stability in the region may depend on whether the federal government adjusts its priorities away from what Mr. Afridi described as “political engineering” toward the provincial government’s vision of durable peace.
