Talking to journalists in Peshawar, the chief minister said that Imran Khan has assigned the task of holding talks with the establishment to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas. He stressed that the government, the establishment and all stakeholders should formulate policies in line with public interests.
Suhail Afridi said that if he gets an opportunity at any event or meeting, he would certainly meet Field Marshal Asim Munir. He added that the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law must prevail in the country, and that the environment and circumstances for dialogue should be conducive to secure Imran Khan’s release.
The chief minister said that the PTI founder’s sisters have the right to come out and campaign for their brother’s release, adding that their visit to Karachi aims to mobilise public support for Imran Khan’s freedom.
He admitted that inappropriate language was used during his Lahore visit, terming it a reaction to provocation, and said he had already apologised for it.
Meanwhile, speaking to a private TV channel Geo News, Suhail Afridi said the federal government has yet to release Rs568 billion in outstanding funds for the merged districts. He said only Rs168 billion had been provided over the past seven years, while more than Rs700 billion out of the total Rs1,000 billion allocation is still pending.
He said his government has a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, with transparency, merit, development and eradication of corruption as its core principles. Funds received for the merged districts would be spent in an organised manner strictly within those areas.
The chief minister said that the law and order situation remains the biggest challenge for his government and efforts are underway to address it. He added that the provincial government would pay compensation to people displaced from areas such as Tirah.
Rejecting claims about lack of facilities in schools and hospitals, he said such narratives are propaganda, and that service delivery would significantly improve if the federal government clears the outstanding dues.
He further said opponents were unfairly blaming his government for the 75 years of deprivation of the merged districts. Efforts are being made to find a permanent solution to the electricity crisis, including a review of transmission lines, dues payable by PESCO, and the issue of net hydel profit owed by the federation. He said the possibility of bringing PESCO under provincial control was also being examined.
Suhail Afridi said his Lahore visit was meant to raise public awareness, reiterating that he had apologised for the use of inappropriate language. He said Peshawar would be developed, but not in a manner where public gatherings and protests are restricted, as is the case in Lahore.
The chief minister said official vehicles had been taken back from former ministers and members of the previous government team, and offices had been reopened. He said the cabinet would be expanded soon, but only after allegations against prospective members are cleared.
He added that the government is focusing on improving governance and will soon present its 100-day performance to the public.
