CM Afridi directs arrest of Maulana Idrees’ killers, terms security situation concerning

CHARSADDA: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed serious concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the province, saying that strict instructions had been issued to relevant authorities to arrest the killers of Maulana Muhammad Idrees at the earliest.

“I am personally monitoring the progress on a daily basis. All available resources will be used to bring those involved in this incident to justice,” he said while visiting Charsadda district to attend a prayer ceremony for the cleric.

CM KP raised questions: “Why are such incidents taking place? Why are Pakhtuns still displaced and unsafe today?” He added that the enemies of peace did not differentiate between any party, school of thought, or organisation, but systematically targeted every influential and effective figure.

He also extended condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family, disciples, and companions of the slain religious scholar. Addressing the gathering, Afridi termed the incident a “major tragedy.” “His religious, academic, and intellectual services will always be remembered,” the chief minister said.

He noted that the large turnout of people from all walks of life at the funeral prayer was clear proof that Maulana Idrees was a personality who stood firmly for truth and righteousness.

“The government and the people stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in this difficult time,” Afridi added. Afridi traced the roots of the region’s instability back to 2002. “Since then, this region has been gripped by continuous unrest, terrorism, and bloodshed. For the past 23 years, our people have been carrying coffins. This must come to an end now.”

He further said that all political and religious parties, along with different schools of thought, had rejected policies made behind closed doors on the floor of the assembly. “Yet, powerful circles continue to impose such policies on the nation at gunpoint,” he remarked.

Emphasising collective responsibility, the chief minister stated, “This is not the struggle of a single person, party, or group. This is our collective fight. We can no longer afford decisions made in closed rooms, as the people are demanding peace.”