• Questions fresh military operation after past failures
• Says such actions caused displacement, unmet compensation promises
• Claims focus is not militancy, but ‘rooting out PTI and its founder’

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday said that given the persistence of militancy despite 17 years of multiple military operations in the province, a policy shift developed through consultation with all stakeholders was essential for lasting peace.

“A policy shift, not through decisions taken behind closed doors but in consultation with the KP government, stakeholders, elders and residents, will play a vital role in achieving lasting peace,” the chief minister said.

Addressing female students of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar at a convocation held at the University of Peshawar, Mr Afridi said criticism was often levelled but policies were also proposed, adding that if such policies were implemented, they would prove productive for KP and the entire country.

He said peace had been restored after immense sacrifices and children were able to attend schools in a peaceful environment, but decisions taken behind closed doors had once again created uncertainty.

The chief minister said that another military operation was being planned, but if militancy still existed despite 22 major operations and 14,000 intelligence-based operations, then a policy shift was necessary.

“Not militancy, but the PTI and its founder Imran Khan are being rooted out,” the chief minister told the students, adding that “if they really intended to root out militancy, they should have sat down and talked to us”.

CM Afridi said decisions taken without public confidence were unacceptable, especially after the immense sacrifices made by the people of the province. He added that military operations always caused destruction, while displaced families who had been promised financial assistance were still awaiting compensation.

He said certain elements never wanted KP to progress or its children to receive education, but the provincial government firmly rejected such a mindset and believed in promoting education.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued from his office, the chief minister said that using the pretext of counterterrorism to target any political party or leadership was unacceptable, adding that if terrorism was genuinely to be eliminated, a joint and inclusive policy must be formulated.

He said education, knowledge and public participation were the true foundations of sustainable peace and development in the province, and that no force could deprive the children of KP of their right to learn and progress.

The chief minister congratulated all female graduates who completed their Bachelor’s, MPhil and PhD degrees and expressed confidence that they would play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the province and the country.

He made it clear that he would stand firmly for girls’ education and youth employment in KP, assuring that employment opportunities would be provided to graduates. He said that under the new youth policy, all possible support would be extended to bring talented youth forward.

CM Afridi urged students not to be discouraged and to move ahead with courage and hard work, assuring them that the government stood firmly with the people and would continue to do so in the future.

He said an internship policy was being introduced and was ready, adding that jobs would be provided to youth and talented students would be supported. He also paid tribute to students, their parents and teachers, and especially gold medalists, for their hard work and dedication.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026