PESHAWAR : In a bold start to his tenure, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi criticized the federal Interior Ministry for supplying outdated bulletproof vehicles to the provincial police. Calling the vehicles substandard and disrespectful to KP’s law enforcement, Afridi demanded their immediate return.

Chairing his first official meeting as chief minister, Afridi also called for the return of security details assigned to former chief ministers, emphasizing the need for proper protection protocols.

The meeting centered on the provincial government’s new good governance strategy, which prioritizes public service delivery, law and order, and economic development. Sohail Afridi commended the bureaucracy and police for safeguarding the public mandate during the unrest on February 8. However, he expressed disappointment over some officials who failed to resist external pressure and neglected their duty to the people.

Afridi announced that cabinet members will donate 15 days of their salaries to support flood victims. He reiterated his commitment to rooting out corruption and warned that government employees who fail to serve the public honestly should step down. “We must break away from outdated traditions. The people should feel that voting for PTI brought genuine change,” he said.

In a move to uplift merged districts, Afridi unveiled several development initiatives including the establishment of a Tribal Medical College, a Tribal University of Modern Sciences, and playgrounds at the tehsil level. He also promised a Safe City project and a comprehensive urban revival plan.

Afridi directed officials to abolish the quota system in examinations and eliminate favoritism in transfers. He stressed that transparency and merit must guide all government affairs.

Addressing concerns about political misuse of police powers, Afridi assured that no political figure will be arrested under pressure from MPAs. He emphasized the importance of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and constructive criticism. The provincial government will equip police with modern tools and adequate funding, he said, while blaming the federal government’s financial neglect for the recent surge in terrorism.

The chief minister made it clear that police will not be used for political revenge. He instructed authorities to avoid registering FIRs against students or for personal vendettas. Afridi condemned torture in custody and urged police to remain apolitical and accountable to the public.

To support law enforcement and media professionals, Afridi announced plans to build dedicated housing colonies for both groups.