SWAT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi delivered a high-stakes address in Swat today, centering his speech on a direct challenge to the ongoing military offensive in the Tirah Valley.
Asserting that the mandate of the province belongs to Imran Khan Niazi, the Chief Minister claimed that political opponents have resorted to terrorism allegations and the weaponization of private videos after failing to defeat his party at the polls.
Also Read: PML-N Claims PTI Govt Consented to Tirah Operation
The Tirah Crisis and the Provincial Ultimatum
In his most significant declaration, Chief Minister Afridi addressed the deteriorating situation in Tirah, where he reported that residents are facing forced displacement and a humanitarian crisis. He noted that 21 individuals have been martyred and criticized the coercion of a 24-member local community into an unwanted conflict.
Setting a clear deadline for federal and security authorities, Afridi stated:
- The Ultimatum: He demanded an end to the Tirah operation within the next two to three days.
- Personal Intervention: The Chief Minister announced that he will personally travel to Tirah to hold a Jirga and stand with the local people.
- Provincial Strategy: He warned that if the operation is not stopped within the deadline, the provincial government will formulate and implement its own “new strategy.”
Also Read: JI leader warns of ‘humanitarian disaster’ in snow-hit Tirah
Rejection of Governor Rule and Political Disqualification
During the KP CM Sohail Afridi Tirah operation ultimatum speech, the CM dismissed talk of federal intervention as a fantasy. He declared that imposing Governor Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is impossible and alleged that a conspiracy is afoot to disqualify him because he continues to advocate for the rights of the province’s citizens.
While clarifying that he is not an enemy of the army or state institutions, Afridi expressed strong opposition to those who interfere in political matters. “We are rebels against all such decisions,” he proclaimed, positioning his administration as a bulwark against institutional overreach.
Also Read: Heavy Snowfall Halts Tirah Valley Evacuation: Stranded Families Face Humanitarian Crisis
Institutional Tensions and Funeral Exclusion
Afridi revealed a growing rift with security protocols, recounting how he previously prioritized attending the funerals of martyred soldiers, even leaving cabinet meetings to do so. However, he lamented that he is now being intentionally excluded or uninvited from these ceremonies. He described this exclusion as a deliberate attempt to incite a confrontation between the provincial government and state institutions, adding that he possesses evidence for all his claims.
Support for Murad Saeed and the Vow to Free Imran Khan
The Chief Minister staunchly defended former minister Murad Saeed, stating that Saeed is being targeted for raising his voice for the Pashtun people and standing against terrorism.
Afridi concluded his address by turning his focus to the PTI founder:
- He confirmed that Imran Khan has delegated authority to Mahmood Achakzai and Raja Abbas for the ongoing political struggle.
- He vowed that the provincial government will utilize every possible resource to secure the release of Imran Khan.
- He issued a final warning that “no one will be spared” once Imran Khan is released from jail and returns to the political arena.
The Chief Minister ended the rally by asking the audience if they were ready for the next phase of the movement, promising to continue his fight for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
