Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry strongly criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi by referring to the latter's 'vague remarks' on terrorism.
Addressing a press conference, he accused KP CM of issuing unclear statements on terrorism and failing to take concrete security measures in the province.
Chaudhry said that despite visiting three provinces, the chief minister did not visit the homes of any martyred citizens. He alleged that the KP government had deliberately avoided installing Safe City cameras and failed to establish a forensic laboratory. “Whether it is a chief minister or any other official, ambiguous statements are unacceptable,” he said.
Expressing frustration over the ongoing security situation, he accused the chief minister of deliberately creating confusion on the issue of terrorism and added that, over the past 11 years, no major PTI leader, minister, or adviser had been targeted, while leaders of other political parties had faced attacks because they spoke openly against terrorists.
He further alleged that the KP government’s spokesperson neither clearly condemns terrorism nor openly supports security forces. “Ask your own inspector general where terrorist training camps are operating,” Chaudhry said.
Referring to the chief minister’s recent street campaign, Talal Chaudhry said remarks related to national interest were made irresponsibly. He criticized the chief minister’s statement suggesting that Pakistan should provide evidence if Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, saying such comments create further ambiguity. “There is a clear reluctance to even call terrorists by their name,” he added.
Chaudhry clarified that the government does not oppose political activity and has no intention of stopping it. He noted that the prime minister has personally visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa several times, but expressed concern that the chief minister often does not attend counter-terrorism meetings.
