CM Afridi strikes defiant tone as federal ministers rail against KP govt's counter-terror fight

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi defiantly rejected the federal government's counterterrorism policies, accusing them of dismissing his warnings as mere "propaganda and lies." Afridi, elected as KP CM in October 2025, has consistently criticized the federal government's approach to combating terrorism and Afghanistan.

Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a press conference in Islamabad, lambasting the KP government's performance in tackling terrorism. They claimed the provincial administration lacked leadership, resources, and powers to effectively combat terrorist activities. Chaudhry accused the PTI-led KP government of creating space for terrorists and failing to provide necessary funds and security equipment to the police.

He demanded accountability for the lack of progress in counter-terrorism efforts, citing issues such as the non-functional Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the absence of bulletproof jackets and forensic labs. Afridi emphasized that merely allocating resources to the police would not solve the problem; a shift in policy was essential.

He reiterated his long-standing demand for a change in the "failed policy of 22 years." The KP CM also criticized the recently proposed Police Act, aimed at curbing the powers of the provincial inspector general (IG), and accused the PTI of not taking ownership of the fight against terrorism. He alleged that the party had facilitated terrorists during its 12 years of governing KP and did not condemn their actions, as it suited their financial interests.