ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Senior journalist and analyst Umar Cheema has strongly criticised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, calling his demand for proof of Afghanistan’s involvement in terrorism a disloyalty to Pakistan.
Talking to a talk show on a private news channel, Cheema said that questioning the role of Afghanistan in terror does not reflect the stature of a provincial chief minister.
“This kind of statement does not suit the office of the Chief Minister. It reflects a frivolous mindset and proves that Sohail Afridi is not qualified to be the Chief Minister,” he remarked.
“These people have become the spokespersons of Afghanistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the most affected by terrorism,” he said.
Talking about his statement on terrorism, Cheema said that “These people say that we were not given such and such a briefing, we were not given such and such a briefing. I think they should ask their IG, ask one of their DPOs.”
“Today, their own policemen were martyred in the Tank district area. Ask the DPO where these people come from, and he will tell you himself. This statement is very frivolous and irresponsible,” he stated.
“The question is, is he [Sohail Afridi] the spokesperson of Afghanistan or Pakistan? It is incomprehensible that this person is the Chief Minister of KP, the province that has been most affected by terrorism,” Cheema remarked.
Cheema further argued that denying Afghan-origin terrorism logically implies that terrorism is being conducted from within Pakistan, raising serious questions about sponsorship, facilitation, and responsibility. “If it is internal, then who is carrying it out? Who is funding and facilitating it?” he asked.
Referring to repeated evasions by KP government spokesperson Shafi Jan on the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Cheema alleged that growing leniency toward militant elements has created alarming perceptions.
“The way these people avoid naming TTP and show softness towards them raises serious concerns,” he said. “The things that seemed strange earlier, but now one begins to understand that TTP has become PTI’s militant wing.”
Cheema demanded that the Chief Minister withdraw his statement and be held accountable.
He urged the KP Assembly to convene a special session on the issue and suggested that, before any in-camera briefing with military officials, the Chief Minister should first present facts alongside the Inspector General of Police (IGP), district police officers, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) chief.
“This is not ordinary politics; it is a national security issue,” Cheema said, warning that such narratives, if left unchallenged, could become extremely dangerous for the country.
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