Peshawar: A fresh controversy has erupted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi declined to meet participants of the Balochistan National Workshop 17 during their visit to Peshawar, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from political quarters, particularly from Balochistan.
According to participants of the workshop, which brings together young professionals and leaders from Balochistan for engagement with key institutions across the country, no Member of Provincial or National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in KP came forward to welcome or interact with them. The group further expressed disappointment at being served “humiliating” packed food instead of being hosted according to local customs.
Violation of Traditions: Balochistan Minister Reacts
Reacting strongly, Balochistan’s Senior Minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran called the snub an affront to regional and Islamic traditions.
“Not meeting guests, especially from Balochistan, is against the customs of the Pashtun and Baloch people. Even in our differences we do not abandon hospitality,” Khetran said in a media interview.
Inviting CM Afridi to Balochistan, the minister added: “Come visit us and we will show you what it means to uphold tradition with food on the table and full respect, not food in packets. We are saddened. Is the KP Chief Minister busier than the Army Chief, who spent five hours with us”
The participants, many of whom travelled from remote districts, said they felt ignored and disrespected during their time in Peshawar
CM Afridi ealier returned Bullet Proof Vehicles
In his first formal briefing as Chief Minister, Afridi stated that law and order was his top priority but refused to accept what he described as “insulting” equipment from the Interior Ministry. “We will not compromise on police security. The vehicles sent are unfit for our officers battling terrorism in KP,” he said.
Afridi also criticised the federal government for allegedly reigniting terrorism in the province through flawed policies and for withholding critical funds. “The sacrifices of KP’s police are unmatched. It is unfortunate that those on the front lines are still under-equipped,” he stated.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry fired back, labelling the KP government’s rejection of the vehicles “childish” and “a setback in the war on terrorism.”
“These vehicles meet international standards and have saved lives across conflict zones,” Chaudhry said. “The CM’s decision is a disservice to our brave police. Is political point-scoring more important than officer safety?”
Rising Political Tension
The twin controversies one over the CM’s refusal to meet Balochistan Workshop Participants and the other over rejecting federal security assets have intensified political divisions between KP’s PTI-led government and the federal coalition.
Analysts say the Chief Minister’s stance, though popular within his party base, risks alienating regional partners and reinforcing perceptions of growing political insularity.
No official statement was issued by the KP Chief Minister’s Office regarding the National Workshop controversy by the time this report was filed.
