PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has come under fire after Sohail Afridi’s remarks appeared to defend the continuation of narcotics and smuggling in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the guise of preserving the province’s culture.
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi said that “hashish will be sold” and the narcotics trade would continue, claiming that the province could not abandon its centuries-old culture.
The statement has triggered strong criticism, with opponents accusing PTI of normalising illegal activities and misleading the public by presenting narcotics and smuggling as cultural traditions.
Critics said such remarks reflect incompetent leadership and irresponsible political thinking, particularly at a time when authorities are struggling to combat terrorism, drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the province.
They questioned how a political party could claim to champion public welfare while appearing to justify activities that are prohibited under the law and harmful to society.
