Peace Key to development, tribal districts’ prosperity top priority: CM Sohail Afridi

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that development and prosperity cannot take root without lasting peace, terming stability the government’s foremost priority.

He made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of elders from Baizai, Mohmand district, who called on him in Peshawar. The elders praised the chief minister as a “source of pride” for the tribal districts and vowed to stand by him in the struggle for provincial rights and durable peace.

CM Afridi thanked the elders for their unwavering support, saying peace remains the central challenge for the province. He noted that the successful Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga—held recently in the provincial assembly—brought all political parties and stakeholders together, culminating in a unanimous declaration for peace.

Expressing concern over unfulfilled financial commitments made at the time of the tribal districts’ merger, the chief minister said the federal government still owes billions of rupees to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Afridi assured that the provincial government is committed to securing the rights of the merged districts. He announced that a university, along with medical and nursing colleges, will be established in the tribal areas to strengthen education and healthcare services.

He reiterated that without restoring peace and stability, no development project can be effectively implemented. “The government is working closely with political leadership and tribal stakeholders to ensure long-term peace and prosperity in the region,” he added.