Peshawar (Our Correspondent) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday said he was willing to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders, including those he personally dislikes — for the rights of the people of K-P, but made it clear that such engagement would only take place on the basis of equality and not under coercion or threats.
Addressing the annual convocation ceremony of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Peshawar, the chief minister said, “I will sit with everyone for the rights of my people and the province. I will sit even with those I dislike, but only on the basis of equality. We will not sit with anyone under threats.”
Afridi stressed that he would not engage in talks for personal gain, reiterating that his priority was safeguarding provincial rights.
The chief minister, who attended the event alongside MPA Meena Khan Afridi, congratulated 620 graduating students from the academic year 2025. Degrees awarded included 537 BS, 38 MS, and four PhDs across departments such as Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Systems, and Electronics Engineering.
Education Reforms
Highlighting reforms in higher education, Afridi said outdated academic programmes had previously produced unemployed graduates. “Modern scientific courses have now been introduced, and students are securing jobs even before completing their degrees,” he said.
“There is no shortage of talent in K-P; our youth were simply denied opportunities,” he added.
Security and Political Situation
Touching upon the province’s security challenges, the chief minister said K-P had long suffered due to unrest. “Our youth could have achieved what others have, but the province was repeatedly turned into an experimental laboratory. This will not happen again,” he asserted.
Afridi claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government at the Centre was removed through a conspiracy. “Imran Khan’s government was toppled behind closed doors,” he said.
However, he confirmed that meetings had been held with the Apex Committee and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on security matters, adding that further consultations were underway to improve law and order in the province.
Economy and Corruption
The chief minister expressed concern over rising inflation, claiming it had reached 45%. He alleged that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had pointed to corruption worth Rs5,300 billion, questioning why the issue was not being highlighted.
“The tax money of the poor has been looted, yet no one talks about it. A watch acquired legally is questioned, but vehicles bought through illegal means are ignored,” Afridi remarked.
Provincial Grievances and Federal Dues
Afridi criticised what he termed decades of imposed policies that hindered development in K-P. Referring to Tirah affectees, he said raising Rs4 billion had triggered unnecessary controversy.
He warned that continued silence on injustices would lead to further instability. “We are tired of carrying funerals. If we do not raise our voice, we will be forced to rebel against those who are buying islands with public money,” he said, adding that he stood “like a rock” for the rights of the province.
The chief minister also vowed to recover Rs4,700 billion in outstanding dues from the federal government. “With public support, I will secure the funds owed to K-P,” he said, while pledging to create employment opportunities for the province’s youth beyond government jobs.