Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM meeting highlights security, Tirah displacement concerns

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM meeting between Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took place in Islamabad on Monday, amid ongoing differences between the federal and provincial governments over security operations and the displacement of residents from Tirah Valley.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister House and was initially a one-on-one discussion. Later, senior federal and provincial figures, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam, and KP Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam, joined the session. The talks came at a sensitive time, with public concern growing over law and order issues and the humanitarian situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Afridi later told reporters that he conveyed condolences over recent incidents in Balochistan and raised financial matters related to the National Finance Commission and other pending dues. He said the prime minister directed Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal to engage with KP officials to move discussions forward on these issues.

Focus on security and federal-provincial coordination

According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz underlined the importance of close cooperation between the federation and the province to ensure peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed that maintaining law and order is a constitutional responsibility of the provincial government, while assuring federal support within its mandate.

The prime minister called for stronger provincial institutions to counter terrorism and said joint efforts would continue to eliminate militant threats. He also highlighted the need for effective coordination to improve public services, infrastructure, health, education, and employment opportunities in the province.

Afridi confirmed that security challenges, including terrorism, were discussed during the meeting. However, he made it clear that no political matters were taken up. He also rejected reports suggesting that he sought permission to meet former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, saying no such request was made.

Tirah displacement issue remains unresolved

The meeting took place against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the displacement of families from Tirah Valley. Afridi has previously announced plans to convene a grand jirga and warned of protests over what he described as forced evacuations and policy reversals by the Centre.

While federal authorities have maintained that the movement of residents was routine and not linked to a military operation, the KP government has challenged this narrative. Images and reports of displaced families living in harsh winter conditions have intensified criticism and raised questions about planning and coordination.

Both sides indicated that further meetings are expected, suggesting that dialogue will continue as the government seeks to address security concerns, humanitarian issues, and long-standing financial disputes through consultation rather than confrontation.