Peshawar: Cheif Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has said that any aggression against Pakistan will be met with full national resolve, emphasizing that defending the country is a shared responsibility of all Pakistanis.
However, he stressed that internal political differences should not weaken national unity when facing external threats.
In his statement, Afridi reiterated that despite criticism of domestic policies, Pakistanis must stand united with the country’s security forces in case of external aggression or foreign interference.
He said that national defense is a sacred duty and should never be compromised due to political disagreements.
Referring to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s strategic guidance, Afridi stated that lasting peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal regions can only be achieved through cooperation among three key stakeholders: the tribal populations of Pakistan’s border areas, the Afghan government, and the Afghan people.
He argued that without engaging these three groups, no military operation or security strategy can achieve long-term stability.
Afridi also claimed that security conditions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Pakistan had improved during the previous government’s tenure due to better policy decisions. However, he warned that tensions have increased after political instability and changes in federal leadership, calling for wiser and more forward-looking regional diplomacy.
He further emphasized that dialogue with Afghanistan is essential to counter terrorism and prevent escalation of cross-border tensions. According to him, hostility and conflict only serve to increase instability and harm ordinary civilians on both sides of the border.
The Cheif Minister also proposed the formation of a national jirga or consultative council to address security and diplomatic challenges.
He suggested that the proposed jirga should include representatives from federal and provincial governments, tribal elders, and leaders of political and religious parties.
He said such inclusive consultation would help develop sustainable solutions to security and diplomatic challenges.
Concluding his statement, Afridi maintained that war should always remain the last option. He said diplomatic engagement, mutual respect, and policy continuity are necessary to ensure long-term peace in the region, particularly between Pakistan and Afghanistan.