CM Sohail Afridi Tells Bureaucracy, Police, and Officials Not to Follow Illegal Orders
Sanaullah Nagra (@) Published September 23, 2026 | 09:39 PM
"Goons in plain clothes are intimidating our bureaucracy and officials; do not be afraid," Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi declared, emphasizing that protesting is every citizen's constitutional and legal right.
Provincial Disruption and Potential Conspiracy
Afridi expressed concern over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being cut off from the rest of Pakistan, with all routes in and out reportedly closed. He questioned if a conspiracy similar to the one leading to East Pakistan was afoot, stating that they would not allow Pakistan to fracture and would make sacrifices for their homeland.
Targeting Provincial Ministers and Representatives
At a provincial cabinet meeting, Afridi revealed that goons in plain clothes had been attacking their workers, organizational office-bearers, and elected representatives over the past few days. An assassination attempt was made on Communications and Works Minister Shakeel Khan, while Irrigation Minister Riaz Khan's residence was also raided by unidentified individuals. Similar incidents occurred in Dera Ismail Khan and other districts, including the abduction of MNA Fazal Khan from Mardan and a raid on Fakhr Jahan's residence.
Unacceptable Treatment
The Chief Minister deemed this treatment unacceptable, especially towards provincial cabinet members. He criticized Rana Sanaullah's statement describing people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as terrorists and Maryam Safdar's fear of other provinces in Pakistan over India, finding them extremely concerning.
Warning Against Division
Afridi warned those behind any conspiracy to divide Pakistan or separate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating, "We were Pakistanis, we are Pakistanis, and God willing, we will remain Pakistanis." He promised a clear message for anyone attempting such actions.