CHARSADDA: Announcing the start of a campaign for Imran Khan’s release from Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday said that all his policies and actions would be in line with the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.
Addressing his first public meeting since assuming office in the Rajar area in the Charsadda district, Afridi said there would be no military operations and drone attacks in the province under his leadership.
“I have become chief minister through the vision of Imran Khan, and all decisions will be made according to his guidance,” Afridi stated. The rally was also addressed by PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar, MNAs Anwar Taj and Fazal Muhammad Khan, and MPA Iftikharullah.
Without naming Awami National Party, Afridi said his first public meeting as chief minister was being held in a district where PTI had, according to him, “wiped out an entire political party.” He added that the large attendance demonstrated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued to stand firmly with the PTI founder.
Recalling the criticism surrounding his nomination, the chief minister said, “When I was nominated for the chief minister’s post, some said they did not accept me. Today it has been proven that the people have accepted me as their chief minister. Everyone must respect the public mandate.”
Afridi also accused certain elements of attempting to brand him as a terrorist through press conferences. He said he had sought a meeting with Imran Khan but was prevented from doing so, even after obtaining permission from the Islamabad High Court. “When every door was closed, I had no choice but to go to the people,” he added.
He revealed that he had been advised against visiting Charsadda and Bara due to security threats, but he rejected those warnings. “We are not afraid of death. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for PTI and Imran Khan,” Afridi said.
Vowing to ensure accountability, he said those who oppressed PTI workers would be brought to justice. “We will not accept decisions made behind closed doors without taking us into confidence. We will take to the streets for our leader’s freedom,” he declared.
He further added that despite attempts to malign him and even label him a “terrorist,” the people have spoken through their representatives and in a democracy, power ultimately rests with the people.
Touching upon the recent Hangu incident, he reaffirmed his party’s principled stance against military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: “Imran Khan has always opposed military operations that cause massive collateral damage. Despite repeated operations, terrorism continues to claim lives.
This policy has failed our people. We will no longer accept decisions about the future of our province being made behind closed doors. Our people’s representatives must be part of every decision that affects their lives.”
