PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has responded to media reports regarding his meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, clarifying the nature of the discussions held during the meeting.
In a statement, the chief minister said that the meeting, which was also attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, did not involve any political discussions as being reported in some media outlets.
Sohail Afridi emphasized that the talks were strictly focused on security matters, particularly the recent incidents of terrorism in Bannu and the overall law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“There was no political discussion in the meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi,” he clarified.
He added that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss rising security challenges in the province and coordinate responses to terrorism-related incidents affecting peace and stability in the region.
The clarification comes after Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that Barrister Gohar and Sohail Afridi met the interior minister without informing the party’s founding family, sparking political debate within party circles.
However, PTI leaders have maintained that the meeting was administrative in nature and focused on internal security issues rather than political negotiations.
According to Sohail Afridi, discussions included the recent wave of militant attacks in Bannu and other areas of the province, as well as coordination between federal and provincial authorities to improve law and order.
Political observers note that meetings between federal and provincial leaders on security matters are routine, especially in provinces facing ongoing challenges related to militancy and policing.
The development has added to internal discussions within PTI, but party representatives insist that there was no political agenda involved in the interaction with the interior minister.
Further clarification from senior PTI leadership is expected as the matter continues to attract political attention in media circles.
