- KP CM says short cabinet finalised under Khan’s guidance, says intent and cooperation key to progress
- Vows focus on performance, accountability and tackling cross-border terror
RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that his government is willing to work with the federal government—provided that decisions are not taken “behind closed doors”—as he was once again denied permission to meet jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
It was the fourth time since his October 13 election as chief minister that Afridi had been refused a meeting with Khan. Speaking to Geo News on Thursday, the young PTI leader—who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur earlier this month—said he had begun reviewing provincial affairs and received several departmental briefings, with more scheduled in the coming days.
Afridi said consultations for a short provincial cabinet had been completed and that it would be formed soon. Emphasising intent over experience, he remarked, “To run provincial matters, one needs the will to serve the public, not just experience.”
He questioned the performance of “experienced rulers” in Punjab and at the Centre, pointing to the decline in economic growth. “What was our GDP growth in 2022, and what is it now?” he asked.
Despite political differences, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had congratulated Afridi on his election as chief minister and stressed the need for center–province coordination to achieve national goals. It was the first telephonic contact between the two leaders since Afridi assumed office.
Speaking to reporters separately, Afridi said the provincial cabinet had been finalised in line with Imran Khan’s directions, with over 10 members included in the first phase, while additional names were under consideration. He added that the provincial government was prioritising performance and accountability and actively addressing complaints from party workers.
On security, the chief minister voiced concern over continued cross-border terrorism, saying Pakistan was still facing attacks and martyrdoms originating from Afghanistan.
Soon after taking office, Afridi had announced plans to meet Khan to discuss policy guidelines and cabinet formation. PTI leaders, including Afridi, then approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ensure the meeting took place.
Although the IHC directed Adiala Jail authorities to allow the meeting, Afridi was unable to meet Khan when he arrived at the prison on October 23. Following the denial, he staged a short sit-in outside the jail to protest the non-implementation of the court’s order—though without success.
It may be recalled that Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case-I, one of several cases filed against him since his ouster through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
