βI am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in todayβs terrorist incident in the Orakzai region. Whether they are civilians, police officers, or army personnel, it is our own people, who are being martyred in these military operations. Among those martyred today were a Colonel and a Major, which is extremely tragic. Offering prayers for the elevation of all the martyrsβ ranks in Jannah and for the swift recovery of those injured.
The flawed policies and mistaken priorities of the mafia presently imposed on the nation have led Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, into an alarming and unprecedented wave of terrorism. Even though two months still remain, this year Pakistan has witnessed a record number of terrorist incidents, resulting in an enormous loss of life on a scale difficult to find precedent for. I have repeatedly stated that the complete eradication of terrorism in Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is impossible without dialogue among four key stakeholders: the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the people of the tribal areas, the Afghan government, and the Afghan people. The current regimeβs policy of conflict and confrontation is only worsening the situation.
I have repeatedly directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to oppose unnecessary military operations initiated against our own citizens. Peace had been restored across these regions during our tenure. It is deeply regrettable that the current Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has failed to implement my vision for peace and has been unable to distance itself from the war-driven policies of the federal government and security agencies, as it should have. In these circumstances, there is no option left but to bring a change in the provincial government. I therefore announce the appointment of Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The policy of fighting terrorism through drone strikes, jet bombings, and mortar shelling is a profoundly foolish strategy that has kept the nation trapped in a vicious cycle of terrorism. After todayβs terrorist attack and the resulting martyrdoms, our security forces will inevitably retaliate, which will provoke a counter-response, and the cycle will continue endlessly.
During our three-and-a-half-year tenure, terrorism was at its lowest level in Pakistanβs history, even though Afghanistan was then under the pro-India and anti-Pakistan Ashraf Ghani regime. I personally visited Afghanistan and invited Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan in an effort to improve bilateral relations. Due to our practical measures and effective diplomacy, the country was spared the kind of instability we are witnessing today.
In contrast, the current rulers, who have unlawfully seized power, have completely failed to engage with the new government in Afghanistan (to secure Pakistanβs interests). Instead, after forty years of hospitality, Afghan refugees have been humiliated and forcibly expelled in a deeply painful manner. Bilawal Bhutto held the position of Foreign Minister for over a year and traveled across the world; yet at this most critical juncture in history, he did not visit Kabul even once, nor did he take any step to improve relations with the Afghan government.
For lasting peace, it is essential that this issue be viewed in a broader perspective, and that all stakeholders come together to resolve matters through dialogue and mutual understanding. I am confident that the change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwaβs leadership will mark a new beginning. Support from public representatives, tribal elders, and local jirgas will be sought, and all parties will engage in constructive dialogue to eradicate terrorism from its roots and find a durable solution. I have full confidence that the newly appointed Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, will work in line with my vision of sustainable peace, our tribal traditions, and the aspirations of the people, to help the federal government implement an effective framework for lasting stability in the province.β
