Chief Minister says drone strikes, military operations in KP “unacceptable”
CHARSADDA
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday publicly rejected the use of drone strikes and large-scale military operations in the province, declaring such measures “unacceptable” and pledging to chart policy only in accordance with the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan.
Speaking to a packed PTI rally at Rajjar Ground in Charsadda, Afridi said he will not authorise actions that run counter to the direction set by the party leadership and the wishes of the people and the provincial assembly.
In a forceful address that mixed criticism of political opponents with promises of law‑and‑order reforms, Afridi said he has repeatedly sought a face‑to‑face meeting with the Founding Chairman, and has been denied access even after court orders, but that he will continue to take guidance from him. “I am not allowed to meet the founding chairman of PTI.
All decisions will be made according to the instructions of the chairman,” he told the gathering.
Afridi said: “Drone strikes and military operations are unacceptable. I will act only according to the vision of the chairman.”
Afridi also addressed accusations and resistance he has faced since his elevation to the chief ministership. “From the day my name was put forward for Chief Minister, it was said that I am not acceptable.
I do not care about that. What matters to me is whether I am acceptable to you, the people,” he said, adding that the “sparkle in the eyes” of KP’s citizens signals wider support for his agenda.
On law‑and‑order and personal security, Afridi disclosed that he had been warned against visiting Charsadda and Khyber, cautions he said included threats to his life.
Undeterred, he defended his presence at the rally and announced plans to visit Khyber the following day, insisting that “my life and death, my position, are for the nation.”
He said additional visits would be used to mobilise public support for restoring the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who have “oppressed the nation.”
Reiterating a central PTI demand, Afridi vowed to secure the release of the founding chairman.
Afridi stated that major decisions would be taken without the approval of the KP Assembly and consultation with the public.
He criticised opponents who had dismissed his capacity to deliver, calling their objections a “circus” and promising results that reflect the popular mandate.
Afridi said by appealing to supporters to remain steadfast and law‑abiding while pressing for political objectives through democratic and legal channels.
Also, he called on provincial institutions, party activists and citizens to work together to restore normalcy, protect civil liberties and pursue a political solution that he says will safeguard the rights and safety of KP’s people.
