PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The President of the Khyber Union of Journalists (KUJ)has expressed deep concern and regret over the recent statement of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi about Pakistan’s Armed Forces.
Khyber Union of Journalists stated in a press release that “Questioning the blood of martyrs and dragging mosques and madrassas into political disputes in any way is condemnable”.
KUJ added that “Such statements cause chaos in society, hurt religious sentiments, and increase suspicion against state institutions”.
The release further added that the security agencies have made unforgettable sacrifices against terrorism and have always played the role of the frontline to protect the lives and property of the people and places of worship.
“Using politics against security institutions is against the national interest,” it added.
“The Khyber Union of Journalists demanded that the Chief Minister should show responsibility and prudence in choosing words, and not use religious places for politics, and issue statements keeping in mind the requirements of national unity.”
“Journalist community is united in its commitment to national security, religious harmony, and respect for the sacrifices of martyrs, and will continue to discourage any thought that divides the nation,” the statement concluded.
Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Faisal Karim Kundi, strongly condemned the recent remarks of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi regarding the Pakistan armed forces.
In his tweet, on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Faisal Kundi stated that such rhetoric undermines the honour and sacrifices of the country’s security personnel.
While expressing his anger, Governor Faisal Kundi said that ”brave sons of the soil” continue to lay down their lives to protect the province and its people, and questioning their intent in sensational or political terms damages morale and threatens public safety.
The intelligence-based operations have been and will continue to be a fundamental part of civilian protection and the restoration of peace. “These operations are conducted solely to safeguard the people,” he said, adding political debate must not cross into an area where national security institutions are weakened.
The Governor Faisal Kundi called upon CM Afridi to show restraint and put the unity and security of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa above partisan positioning, emphasizing that the current security situation demands all the political forces stand with the armed forces for long-lasting stability in the region.
“Ultimately, accountability lies with the people, who will make their choice in the coming elections,” Governor Kundi added.
