- Kundi says rhetoric diminishing ‘honour and sacrifice’ of armed forces unacceptable
- Khyber Union of Journalists, PUC also strongly criticise Afridi’s comments
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday issued a strong condemnation of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent comments criticising security forces and counter-terrorism operations—remarks he warned could undermine morale at a time when KP faces an alarming surge in terrorist violence.
Afridi, speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail a day earlier, accused security personnel in KP of violating the sanctity of mosques, alleging that they “brought dogs into mosques” and tied them there during operations. “When we would go and tell them that they are violating the sanctity of the mosque, they would tell us, ‘You and these dogs are no different,’” the CM said, adding that despite such incidents, “we still support them… but do they know the pain of my people?”
Posting the video on X, Governor Kundi said any rhetoric diminishing the “honour and sacrifice” of Pakistan’s armed forces was unacceptable. “The brave sons of our soil lay down their lives to protect our province—questioning their intent in sensational terms only damages morale and public safety,” he wrote.
He stressed that intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were essential, conducted solely to safeguard the public. “Political debate must not cross into actions or words that weaken our security institutions,” the governor said, urging CM Afridi to show restraint and put KP’s unity and safety “above partisan posturing.”
Kundi said KP’s security situation demanded that all political parties stand firmly with law enforcement agencies. Pakistan has witnessed a renewed spike in terrorism — especially in KP and Balochistan — with police, LEAs and security personnel bearing the brunt of attacks. “Ultimately, it is the people who will deliver accountability in the coming elections,” he added.
KUJ expresses ‘deep concern’ over remarks
The Khyber Union of Journalists (KUJ) also strongly criticised Afridi’s comments, calling them “irresponsible” and damaging to public trust.
“Dragging mosques and madrassas into political disputes in any way is condemnable,” KUJ President Kashifuddin Syed said in a statement, emphasizing that respect for places of worship and the sacrifices of martyrs was binding on all. Such remarks, he warned, “cause chaos, hurt religious sentiments and increase suspicion against state institutions.”
The KUJ said attempts to cast doubt on the armed forces’ role in fighting terrorism risk strengthening the enemy’s narrative. The union urged the chief minister to show “responsibility and prudence” in his choice of words and avoid using religious spaces for political messaging.
PUC’s Ashrafi also condemns KP CM’s remarks
In a separate statement, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi also denounced the CM’s remarks, calling them “misleading” and harmful to Pakistan’s reputation.
“The speech made by KP CM regarding mosques is regrettable,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Army was the “protector of mosques and madrasas” and had repeatedly proven its commitment through major counter-terrorism campaigns.
“The Pakistan Army is once again fighting the war imposed on Pakistan,” Maulana Ashrafi said, noting that terrorists had also targeted mosques within military installations. He said attempts to question the army’s faith, sacrifices, or intentions were unjustified.
