Tribal elders back Sohail Afridi for CM slot

BARA: The elders of the Shalobar, Bar Qambarkhel, and Akakhel tribes on Friday backed the nomination of Sohail Afridi for the chief minister’s slot and criticized Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar for his remarks, demanding an apology from him.

Speaking at a press conference, the elders, including Mujeeb Afridi, Sohail Afridi, Saeedullah Afridi, and others, expressed resentment over the allegations leveled by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar against chief minister-designate Sohail Afridi. They alleged that Punjab and some powerful quarters had never accepted the tribal people with an open heart.

It is worth mentioning here that Tarar had accused Sohail Afridi of being a sympathizer of terrorists and claimed that he was facing criminal cases.The elders rejected the allegations, terming them a failed attempt to undermine the tribal leadership.

They said the federal minister was supposed to represent the entire country and speak for all communities instead of promoting divisive and anti-tribal rhetoric.“The statement reflects a discriminatory mindset that has hurt the sentiments of the Pakhtun and tribal people,” said Sohail Ahmad Afridi, one of the elders.

The elders expressed the hope that Sohail Afridi’s executive role would bring political stability, development, and justice. They demanded an apology from Attaullah Tarar for his remarks. They also thanked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan for nominating Sohail Afridi for the KP chief minister’s slot, saying the decision had won the hearts of the tribal people.

The elders added that, for the first time, the tribal districts were being given true representation through Sohail Afridi’s leadership, a move expected to mark the beginning of a new era of progress and an end to decades of neglect.