CM Afridi says lasting peace requires unity following Maulana Idrees’ killing

CHARSADDA: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday said the killing of prominent religious scholar Maulana Idrees was not only a tragedy for his family but also a collective loss for the nation and the Muslim Ummah, stressing that durable peace could only be restored through unity.

Speaking to journalists after offering condolences at the residence of the late scholar in Charsadda, Afridi said Maulana Idrees had been a major source of knowledge, wisdom and guidance, and that his death had created a void that would be difficult to fill. He added that whenever scholars of truth were targeted, the entire Ummah mourned collectively.

The chief minister also referred to the late Maulana Hassan Jan, saying his assassination had likewise been a major national tragedy.

Afridi said religious scholars, tribal elders, young people and other influential figures had been repeatedly targeted over the past 22 years. He added that leadership within tribal society had been systematically removed.

He said that after 2002, Pakhtuns were pushed into a conflict that was not their own. He further alleged that policies devised behind closed doors were enforced through force, contributing to the worsening security situation in the region.

According to the chief minister, political and religious parties had earlier united on the floor of the assembly to oppose such policies and had declared them unacceptable. He said people wanted lasting peace and stability in their areas.

Call for collective effort

Afridi said the struggle for peace was not the responsibility of one individual, but a shared duty that required unity under a common national vision. He said restoring peace must remain the foremost priority.

He also said speaking out against injustice was the need of the hour. Referring to faith, he said honour, life, death and sustenance rested solely in the hands of Almighty Allah, and added that he would continue to stand with the people.

The chief minister said he had attended Maulana Idrees’ funeral despite being unwell because of his respect for the late scholar. He added that the grief was shared by the entire nation.

He urged people to respond to the tragedy with unity, peace and commitment to truth.

The remarks came during his visit to the residence of Maulana Idrees in Charsadda, where he met the bereaved family and expressed condolences over the scholar’s death.