CM Afridi calls FIRs politically driven; Cabinet reopens Radio Pakistan attack probe
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. SCREEN GRAB
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet, in its 41st session chaired via video link by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, approved a number of key governance, transparency and security measures, including withdrawal of all “politically motivated” 9 May 10 cases.
Another important decision announced by the CM is that all recruitment across government, semi-government and autonomous institutions will now be done exclusively through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), eliminating the use of private testing agencies. This move is designed to ensure merit, transparency and prevent corruption in public sector employment.
The cabinet also decided to hand over the investigation into the Radio Pakistan Peshawar incident to a special committee of the provincial assembly, ensuring an impartial and thorough investigation. In addition, cases registered on May 9 and 10, widely believed to be politically motivated and filed without evidence, have been ordered withdrawn.
Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that priority should be given to bulletproof vehicles for civil officers, especially those serving in district administrations. He directed that all obstacles delaying the acquisition of these vehicles be immediately removed to allow officials to carry out their duties in a safe environment.
Expressing grave concern over the isolation of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, CM Afridi called the measure inhumane and condemned it outright. He also criticized recent federal press briefings as unethical and illegal, aimed at inciting public unrest, and reaffirmed the provincial government’s stance against any action that may undermine public peace or divide the state.
The Cabinet meeting reviewed issues including good governance, security, human rights and the role of the National Finance Commission (NFC). The CM urged civil servants to use modern technology and attend meetings online wherever possible to reduce public expenditure. He confirmed the strict implementation of the road map for good governance issued earlier.
Other important decisions included approval of financial support for two patients in need of kidney and bone marrow transplants, allocation of funds to speed up ongoing district development projects and a special grant of Rs 150 million. to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
The Cabinet also authorized a committee to procure additional wheat if needed, addressed the humanitarian impact of the prolonged Torkham border closure and ensured the immediate delivery of food, clean water and essential amenities to stranded travellers.
The cabinet described these decisions as a landmark step towards securing provincial rights, promoting public welfare, enhancing security and ensuring transparent governance across KP.
