Pakistani CM Blows the Lid Off Islamabad’s ‘Manufactured Terror’ Strategy

Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has made serious allegations against Pakistan's federal government, saying Islamabad is fueling "contrived terror attacks" in the province. According to TOLO News, he claimed that the government deliberately creates instability while blocking peace efforts because it benefits some powerful groups at the center.

Why are Afridi's allegations important amid increasing violence in KP?

In recent times, incidents of violence and kidnapping have increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Afridi says that these incidents do not happen suddenly but are carried out by groups who do not want stability in KP for a long time. He particularly condemned the abduction of PTM (Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement) members who had attended the “Peace Jirga”.

What did Afridi say on the kidnapping of PTM members?

The Chief Minister called it a deliberate attempt to derail peace talks. According to him, this is a clear message that the central government does not want to allow peace efforts to move forward. He said, “The mentality that has not allowed KP to give peace for 71 years has once again proved that this terrorism is artificial and is used for its own benefit.”

Are the people of KP fed up with “manufactured terrorism”?

Afridi said that the people of KP are now fed up with this 'self-made terrorism' and decisions being taken behind closed doors. He clearly said that whoever disturbs the peace of KP is an enemy of the people—no matter what organization or power it is. Referring to Imran Khan, he said that he too will not bow down under pressure.

Are civilians really being targeted under the guise of military operation?

Afridi alleged that the army was targeting civilians in Pashtun areas in the name of “counter-terror operation”. He said that this situation sometimes resembles a war crime. The death of several civilians in an airstrike in KP's Tirah Valley area two months ago has further increased this allegation.

Why has KP remained the center of conflict?

KP and former FATA areas have been unstable for decades due to militant groups, weak borders, and strong tribal structures. Sometimes the Soviet-Afghan War, sometimes the presence of TTP, and now the tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan—these reasons have kept the region in the fire of conflict.

What is the reason for the conflict with the Afghan Taliban on the border?

According to the latest information, clashes broke out between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban in the Kurram district on Tuesday night. This shows that tension on the border is continuously increasing and the security situation in KP may deteriorate further.

Why has criticism of Afridi intensified now?

After the recent airstrike, military action taken in Afghan territory and attacks on civilian areas of KP, Afridi has openly raised questions on the policy of the Center. Afridi, who recently became the first tribal chief minister of KP, says the time has come to tell the people the truth.