DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has reiterated that his government will not compromise on the province’s constitutional and financial rights, saying the struggle for fair treatment from the federation has reached a decisive stage.
Addressing events organized by the Insaf Youth Wing and Students Federation on Saturday, he called on students and young people to actively shape a strong, province-wide narrative on KP’s due rights.
“The need of the hour is to create awareness among the people, especially the youth, about the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said. “Students must play their role so this narrative reaches every household.”
Recalling his own political journey, Afridi said he began his struggle within the Student Federation and is now serving as chief minister.
“Imran Khan has changed the course of Pakistani politics and empowered an entire generation,” he said, adding that bringing youth into leadership was central to Khan’s vision.
Responding to criticism that PTI engages only in protest politics, Afridi argued that the party turned to agitation only when “justice became unavailable.”
He criticised what he described as discriminatory treatment by the federation, saying that individuals who held press conferences after May 9 were acquitted while those who remained loyal to Imran Khan faced punishment.
“This system has been completely exposed and the judicial system paralysed,” he claimed. “We exhausted all constitutional means and still could not meet our Quaid, Imran Khan. What options remain except protest?”
The chief minister said the upcoming NFC meeting would be critical and urged the youth to educate themselves about KP’s constitutional entitlements.
He accused the federal government of withholding resources under the pretext of financial constraints while the IMF “has pointed to corruption worth Rs 5,300 billion.”
Afridi reiterated that KP was being deprived of its fair share in the NFC award following the merger of the former FATA districts, adding that delaying tactics had stalled the meeting.
“Whether someone demanded it earlier or not, this time we are demanding our right and will continue to do so,” he said. He added that KP’s Rs 2,200 billion in net hydel profit arrears from the federation were essential for the province’s development.
Afridi called on the youth to adopt hard work and honesty as guiding principles and to play a meaningful role in building awareness and political consciousness among the younger generation.
