CM says past operations devastated province as DG ISPR links rising terror to ‘politically permissive environment’
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi became emotional on Wednesday while responding to criticism from the military leadership over his government’s anti-terror stance, saying he has already seen the devastation caused by previous military operations and does not want them repeated.
Speaking at the convocation of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University in Peshawar, Afridi addressed remarks made a day earlier by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who questioned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s counter-terrorism narrative and linked rising militant violence to what he politically allows a terrorist environment in the province.
In his press conference, the military spokesman said that 80 percent of terrorist incidents in the country had taken place in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He played video clips of senior PTI leaders, including Afridi, and showed screenshots of statements attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan questioning their opposition to military operations.
Taking a dig at PTI, DG ISPR said a political-terror nexus was behind the rise in attacks in the province. He said the party “resisted” counter-terrorism in all forums and “seeks help from Afghanistan.”
Read: DG ISPR blames KP’s political milieu for rise in terrorism
He questioned the PTI’s stand and said that thousands of terrorist incidents had already taken place in the province. “And that’s what you’re talking about? There’s no reason or logic – it’s just political rhetoric,” he said. “We have to win the war on terrorism at all costs. We have to win this war with strength.”
Criticizing what he called the thinking behind the press conference, Afridi said he was “deeply hurt” by suggestions that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was pushing back against terrorism. He warned that decisions taken behind closed doors could be dangerous, noting that preparations for military operations had been underway.
Recalling the impact of previous operations, the chief minister said, “Our schools, hospitals and homes were damaged. Before the military operations, not a single person begged. People were killed in drone strikes and explosions. Seeing our women forced to beg brings shame. Still, we are ready to sacrifice again to eliminate terrorism.”
The chief minister said families whose homes were destroyed had been promised Rs 400,000 in compensation per household, but many had still not received the money. “This is nothing short of an insult to my province and its people,” he added.
Read more: Three killed, several injured in two separate shooting incidents in Bannu
Becoming visibly emotional, he said: “I stand with you. We will provide education and employment. If you see tears in my eyes, they are for your future – not out of fear. Those who claim that KP is being pushed back into the mountains, we will provide development instead.”
Afridi also alleged that the operations were being politicized, claiming that there was a difference in intent and that “only the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, is being targeted.”
He began his speech with a verse – “The pen is in my hand, and enlightenment in my mind” – and urged the graduates to serve the province and the country.
The Chief Minister also criticized the use of English during the ceremony and expressed displeasure that the Vice-Chancellor delivered her speech in English. “All universities have been instructed that our national language is Urdu and speeches must be in Urdu. I have said this before and in future I will be angry if it is ignored,” he said.
