Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, said here Saturday that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has always prioritized the people of Pakistan in his political agenda, in contrast to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, whose politics revolve around personal loyalty to Imran Khan.
Speaking at a session of the Youth Assembly held at the District Council Hall, Ikhtiar Wali expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of governance and corruption scandals in KP.
He emphasized that the province is facing serious challenges including rising unemployment, security threats, corruption, poor service delivery, issue of Afghan refugees, and delayed rehabilitation of flood-affected communities and deplored the lackluster policies of PTI.
He strongly criticized CM Sohail Afridi for focusing on partisan and personality-driven politics instead of addressing the real issues facing the people of the province.
“The people of KP, particularly those in the tribal districts, have high expectations from the Chief Minister Afridi regarding the resolution of their pressing problems such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, security challenges and underdeveloped infrastructure,” he reiterated.
Ikhtiar Wali further said that the PTI government, during its 13-year longest rule in KP, failed to deliver on key promises including a uniform education system, construction of five million homes, and the creation of ten million jobs as promised by PTI founder.
He urged that CM Afridi to rise above party politics and fulfill his constitutional responsibilities with political acumen, seriousness and commitment to end long deprivation of KP people.
He deplored the Chief Minister’s refusal to attend meetings with the Federal Government and linking to attend meetings after holding meetings with PTI founder, stating that such negative behavior and actions do a disservice to the people of KP.
“Leadership demands engagement, not avoidance. Refusing to coordinate with the federation only isolates KP and harms its peace and development prospects,” he added.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s security forces, Ikhtiar Wali said that the armed forces are laying down their lives in the fight against terrorism to secure a better future for the nation.
He said, “While our soldiers are making supreme sacrifices, the KP Chief Minister is busy with politics centered on an individual, leaving the people of the province well behind.”
He emphasized that constructive political discourse is vital to democracy, but it should be focused on resolving issues, not targeting individuals for personal gains. He also criticized PTI for lacking the political maturity to accept opposing views with tolerance and dignity.
Highlighting the PML-N’s vision, Ikhtiar Wali reaffirmed that the party’s focus is on national development, youth progress and people’s welfare.
He announced that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will soon distribute laptops to outstanding students across the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, based purely on merit.
He reiterated PML-N’s commitment to establishing a transparent merit system in KP and pledged to put the province back on the path of prosperity and economic growth if elected to power in future.
“Pakistan’s image has been significantly enhanced at the global level under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Development is intrinsically linked to peace, and the PML-N government is committed to safeguarding national interests at all costs,” he stated.
Ikhtiar Wali expressed hope that Chief Minister Afridi will avoid the path of agitation politics, confronting state institutions and instead focus on governance and resolving the pressing issues of the province, which is essential for its progress, peace, and sustainable development.