Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammed Sohail Afridi has emphasized that the use of force alone cannot bring lasting peace to the tribal districts, urging collaborative and result-oriented efforts to address ongoing unrest.
Speaking at a peace jirga held in Bajaur, the chief minister highlighted that decades of military operations have failed to deliver sustainable peace in the region. He stated that thousands of operations conducted over the years did not produce effective results, proving that a force-based approach is insufficient.
Afridi stressed that durable peace is essential for the socioeconomic development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has suffered significantly due to prolonged instability. He also warned against decisions made without public involvement, stating that such strategies cannot resolve long-standing issues.
The chief minister criticized the federal government over reported plans for another military operation in Bajaur, recalling that previous operations displaced over 31,000 people without meaningful outcomes. He further called for the formation of a National Jirga to bring all stakeholders together for a unified peace strategy.
Afridi also accused the federal government of failing to release promised funds for affected individuals, stating that despite a commitment of Rs30 billion, no funds have been provided so far. He added that the provincial government has already spent Rs15 billion to support those impacted.
Highlighting future plans, Afridi announced a Rs1,000 billion development package for tribal districts, with dedicated funds for health and education sectors. He also pledged infrastructure improvements, including a university campus, better healthcare facilities in Khar, and road connectivity projects.
The statement reflects growing concerns over peace and development in tribal regions, emphasizing the need for dialogue, unity, and long-term policy solutions rather than reliance on force.
