What message did Imran Khan send to Afridi?

News Desk

Islamabad:  Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has instructed newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to develop an effective and comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism in the province.

In a message shared on X, Imran emphasized the importance of formulating a strategy that ensures lasting peace in KP, which would also help revive the provincial economy. “I once again direct the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to engage with all stakeholders to formulate an effective and comprehensive strategy against terrorism,” he said.

The PTI founder, currently in jail, noted that the people of KP have given his party a mandate and stressed that the party remains committed to serving the interests of the province and Pakistan. Calling Afridi his “opening batsman,” Imran urged him to “play with confidence.”

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Imran also congratulated all members of the KP Assembly for the “successful and smooth completion” of the government transition and paid tribute to outgoing CM Ali Amin Gandapur for stepping down on his directives, describing it as evidence of PTI’s ideological dominance in the province.

Afridi calls for reviewing Afghan policy

Sohail Afridi, elected CM on Monday with 90 votes, replaces Gandapur after the PTI-backed lawmakers voted in his favour, while opposition parties—including JUI-F, PML-N, and PPP—boycotted the session.

Speaking on the assembly floor, Afridi highlighted terrorism as a pressing issue in KP and Balochistan, stressing the need to consult local elders and representatives in areas affected by militancy. He also called for a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy.

Afridi warned that any attempt to transfer Imran from Adiala Jail without consulting his family and party could trigger nationwide protests. “No one should think that I have come to this position and will deviate from [Imran’s] ideology,” he stated.

Additionally, Afridi reaffirmed PTI’s stance on alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections, announcing plans to investigate how the party’s constituencies were reportedly “stolen.”