Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday challenged any move to impose governor’s rule, stating the province is already governed by PTI founder Imran Khan’s vision.
Speaking to the media, he also launched welfare programs for people with severe disabilities, highlighting the provincial government’s focus on public service despite federal arrears.
Afridi declared that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not fear any governor’s rule, asserting, “If anyone has the courage, show it by imposing Governor’s Rule. We are not afraid of anyone.”
He emphasized that the province continues to follow Imran Khan’s vision for supporting the weak and special classes. “The funds in the Zakat Fund should be immediately distributed to the deserving, and assistive devices must reach disabled citizens of merged districts,” Afridi added.
Welfare initiatives for disabled citizens
During a ceremony at the Special Education Complex in Hayatabad, Afridi inaugurated the Ehsaas Omid Program, which will provide 10,000 severely disabled people with Rs 5,000 per month from January to June 2026.
The program also includes the provision of transport for special education students. Twenty-three vehicles, including 12 minibuses and 11 high-speed buses, were handed over to the Social Welfare Department to support 54 special institutions across the province.
Additionally, 2,000 electric wheelchairs, 2,500 manual wheelchairs, 800 tricycles, 3,600 sewing machines, 617 hearing aids, 102 white canes, 44 crutches, and 96 walkers were distributed, totaling Rs 760 million.
Provincial challenges and federal arrears
Afridi noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa owes over Rs 3,000 billion to the federal government. “Just imagine what we could achieve if these arrears were cleared,” he said, pointing out corruption claims at the federal level totaling Rs 5,300 billion.
He highlighted ongoing provincial initiatives, including school transport services and timely Zakat fund distribution, stressing that these efforts are being carried out despite limited resources.
Federal clarifications on governor’s rule
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that Governor’s Rule is a constitutional mechanism, not martial law. Addressing the National Assembly, he emphasized that any imposition must follow legal provisions and warned against using government resources for unlawful protests.
PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja, reinforced that Governor’s Rule is unnecessary as the province is functioning under elected representatives, with a majority-led cabinet in place.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed concerns over fake news, visa misuse, and illegal Afghan nationals. He warned that false information spreading on social media will not be tolerated, and illegal Afghans involved in attacks on Islamabad and FC headquarters have been identified and will be sent back.
