Some KP residents have criticised CM Sohail Afridi over political protests and road closures, urging the provincial government to prioritise peace and security.
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Some residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have criticised Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and expressed concern over political protests and road closures.
The report quoted residents as saying they wanted the provincial leadership to focus on restoring peace and normal daily life rather than creating additional difficulties through political agitation and disruptions.
Some of those quoted by Express used strongly critical language against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of creating unrest and criticising its confrontation with state institutions. Others called on the provincial government to prioritise conditions within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, the Express report does not provide polling data, a sample size, details about how the residents were selected, or evidence showing that the quoted views represent public opinion across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The criticism should therefore be described as views expressed by some residents rather than as evidence that KP residents generally are dissatisfied with the chief minister.
The criticism comes amid a tense political and security environment in the province. Afridi has recently defended his administration’s priorities, saying combating terrorism remains a central concern. During a law-and-order meeting last week, he said his government’s priority was fighting terrorism rather than eliminating political opponents.
Afridi has also said PTI is willing to engage in dialogue with the federal government. The party had been preparing for a march towards Islamabad, but the chief minister announced that the planned mobilisation had been postponed until October 4.
Separately, Afridi said on Sunday that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had allocated Rs35 billion to police for maintaining peace and called on the federal government to provide armoured personnel carriers, arguing that residents must be taken into confidence to achieve lasting security.
The competing statements highlight an ongoing political debate over whether provincial resources and attention should be concentrated on governance and security or political mobilisation. The available reporting establishes that criticism has been voiced, but does not establish its prevalence across the province.
