KP chief minister welcomes Pakistan’s role in easing US-Iran tensions

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, calling them a positive move towards lasting peace and regional stability while appreciating Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

Speaking at a Parliamentary Party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House, Afridi said the global shift towards negotiation instead of conflict reflects the long-standing vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, who, according to him, consistently advocated dialogue over war. He added that evolving international developments were reinforcing what he described as Khan’s foresight and statesmanship.

“History has vindicated Imran Khan’s position,” Afridi said, recalling his repeated calls during the Afghanistan war for political solutions rather than military intervention, which he argued could never ensure sustainable peace. He maintained that the current preference for diplomacy at the global level echoed those earlier warnings.

At the same time, Afridi criticised the federal government over what he termed financial injustice against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that the province was being subjected to economic pressure due to its PTI-led administration. He said the province, despite its heavy sacrifices in the war on terror, continues to be deprived of constitutionally guaranteed financial rights.

According to the chief minister, the federal government owes the province more than Rs2,200 billion in Net Hydel Profit, while an additional Rs1,375 billion remains unpaid under the NFC share for merged districts, taking total liabilities beyond Rs4,375 billion. He further stated that although the Centre had committed Rs100 billion annually for the development of merged tribal districts, only Rs168 billion had been released over the past seven years, leaving Rs532 billion outstanding.

“These figures clearly show deliberate fiscal injustice against a province that has borne the brunt of conflict,” Afridi said, linking the issue to broader concerns over governance and equity.

He also spoke about the continued incarceration of Imran Khan, describing it as politically motivated and unjust. Afridi claimed that despite prolonged detention, the former prime minister remains a popular political figure and continues to stand firm.

The chief minister alleged that multiple cases against Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were being used as political tools, adding that delays in hearings amounted to what he described as “procedural hostage-taking.” He further said that Khan has been denied basic prisoner rights, including access to family members, legal counsel, personal doctors and his sons, and noted that his imprisonment has now exceeded 950 days.