CM Afridi slams Governor Kundi for 'unconstitutional' meetings, claims move intended to provoke KP govt

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi criticized Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for conducting "unconstitutional" gatherings, alleging the actions were aimed at undermining Pakistan's democratic institutions. This came after Kundi convened a meeting with the province's chief secretary and inspector general (IG) regarding security concerns.

During the 60th cabinet meeting in Peshawar, Afridi maintained that Governor Kundi, a member of the PPP, had staged a "dramatic" move by summoning the meeting and deemed it "unconstitutional". Afridi emphasized that the provincial assembly, cabinet and government remained fully functional, and denounced Kundi's actions as an "attack on the Constitution and democracy".

The PTI leader argued that Kundi's "unconstitutional activities" were intended to incite the provincial government and force a reaction. Afridi urged PTI workers to maintain peaceful conduct and abide by the law and the Constitution, while warning them not to comply with any unlawful orders from Kundi. He also urged the chief secretary and IG to disregard any unconstitutional or illegal directives.

Afridi highlighted that KP residents and administration had made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and cautioned against following any unconstitutional orders as it could harm the province or the country. The chief minister also targeted Kundi's PPP, attributing the separation of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, to ex-President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and General Yahya Khan, and accusing President Asif Ali Zardari of attempting to create another East Pakistan.

Afridi denied the PPP's intention to prioritize personal interests over national interests and stressed the need for a policy shift to achieve peace within KP. He further criticized the federal government's counterterrorism policy and defended his administration's efforts to support the police in the fight against terrorism.