‘Whoever Attacks Pakistan Will Get Strong Response’, CM Afridi

News Desk 

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday reaffirmed his party’s full support for the Pakistan Army, vowing a “strong and fitting response” to any aggression against the country, including from across the border.

“PTI stands shoulder to shoulder with the army against any aggression,” the chief minister said during an informal interaction with senior journalists, accompanied by former minister Meena Khan. “Whoever attacks Pakistan will receive a strong and appropriate response.”

Afridi said his government would always back the security forces in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.

Consultation on Cabinet Formation

The chief minister said he wished to consult PTI founder Imran Khan regarding the formation of the provincial cabinet but had not yet been allowed to meet him.

He said that new faces would be included in the cabinet, adding that the chief secretary and inspector general of police would not be changed for now.

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“Whoever Imran Khan names will be part of the cabinet,” Afridi stated, noting that he would brief the PTI founder on both deserving and undeserving candidates. So far, he said, only Muzammil Aslam’s inclusion had been confirmed.

Afridi added that his aim was not merely to run the government but to bring meaningful change in the province. If denied a meeting with Imran Khan, he said he would finalise cabinet members after consulting other senior party leaders.

Policy on Afghan Refugees

Speaking about the repatriation of Afghan refugees, CM Afridi stressed that the provincial government must be consulted on all policy decisions regarding Afghanistan.

He said hundreds of thousands of refugees had already returned, while about 1.2 million remain in Pakistan and should be repatriated with dignity and respect.

“The return process will be expedited,” Afridi said, emphasising that Afghan refugees should not be forcibly sent back.

He acknowledged shortcomings in the previous administration, saying that while criticism of past mistakes was justified, it should not harm the province’s progress.

Commitment to Rule of Law

The chief minister reiterated that his government was not against any institution or group, but firmly stood for the rule of law.

“We are fighting our battles in courts,” Afridi said, warning that if justice is denied, his party would take to peaceful protest.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with transparency, unity, and accountability.