CHARSADDA: Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that martyrdom of prominent religious scholar Maulana Idrees is not only a tragedy for his family but a collective loss for the entire nation and Muslim Ummah, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity.

Speaking to journalists after offering condolences at the residence of the late scholar in Charsadda, he said that Maulana Idrees was a major source of knowledge, wisdom and guidance and his demise created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

He said whenever scholars of truth were targeted, the entire Ummah mourned collectively. Referring to the late Maulana Hassan Jan, he said that his assassination had also been a great national tragedy.

Mr Afridi said that over the past 22 years, religious scholars, tribal elders, youth and influential figures had consistently been targeted. He added that leadership in tribal society was systematically eliminated.

He said that after 2002, Pakhtuns were pushed into a conflict that was not their own. He alleged that policies formulated behind closed doors were imposed through force that contributed to the deteriorating security situation in the region.

The chief minister said that all political and religious parties had previously united on the floor of the assembly against such policies, declaring them unacceptable. He added that people sought lasting peace and stability in their areas.

He said that the struggle for peace was not an individual effort but a collective responsibility, requiring unity under a shared national vision.

Mr Afridi said that restoration of peace must be the top priority. He said that speaking against injustice was a need of the hour. He said that honour, life, death and sustenance rested solely in the hands of Almighty Allah. He added that he would continue to stand with people.

He said that despite being unwell, he attended Maulana Idrees’ funeral due to his respect for the late scholar. He said that the grief was shared by the entire nation. He urged people to respond with unity, peace and commitment to truth.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026