PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday said he has received an invitation to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will use the opportunity to raise what he described as long-standing grievances of the province, particularly over funds for displaced families from Tirah Valley.
Speaking at a Peace Jirga in Khyber district, Afridi accused the federal government of misusing billions of rupees meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs). He said when the provincial government allocated Rs4 billion for the families, it was met with allegations of corruption, adding that KP now plans to earmark Rs100 billion for those affected.
Federal ministers have accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led KP government of financial irregularities in distributing funds for displaced families. Earlier in Lahore, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the provincial administration must explain where the Rs4 billion went, claiming a local jirga in Tirah had presented a charge sheet alleging corruption and mismanagement.
The Centre maintains that the movement of families from Tirah is a routine seasonal migration due to harsh winter conditions, while the KP government insists residents were forced to leave because of military operations.
Afridi also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan that killed security personnel and civilians, and warned of alleged attempts to impose governor’s rule in the province. He claimed efforts were underway to remove him through the courts.
Addressing jirga participants, the chief minister sought their views on whether to return to Tirah or march to Islamabad in protest. The gathering reportedly supported a protest in the federal capital. Afridi said he would consult all tribal districts before taking a final decision.
Separately, the Khyber Qaumi Jirga has urged both federal and provincial governments to provide immediate assistance and dignified rehabilitation for displaced families from Tirah Valley.