درخواست وزیر اعلی خیبرپختونخوا برای بازنگری سیاست پاکستان در قبال افغانستان

Suhail Afridi, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has urged Pakistan’s central government to review its policy toward Afghanistan.

Speaking during a provincial assembly session, Afridi stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Afghanistan.

He said: “I ask our central government and military to reconsider their policies toward Afghanistan. All policies concerning Afghanistan should be developed in consultation with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, local representatives, citizens, and tribal elders.”

He also strongly criticized the rushed expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, saying: “Our Afghan brothers and sisters, who have lived here for more than 45 years, are now being expelled. What kind of humanity or Islam is this? These people have lived here for decades, built families, and their children were born and raised here. Now they’re being forced out? This is not how policies should be made.”

Some political analysts believe Afridi’s remarks may reflect a shift in part of Pakistan’s power structure regarding Afghanistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where there are deep ethnic and cultural ties with Afghans.

Nisar Ahmad Shirzai, a political analyst, said: “If Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies decide to review their policies on Afghanistan, the chances for improved relations between the two countries will increase.”

Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat, said: “Pakistani authorities have always had a dual approach to Afghanistan, on one hand, they speak of peace and friendship, while on the other, they engage in conflict, violence, and interference.”

Afridi also called the closure of border crossings near tribal areas harmful to both countries and stressed the need for their reopening.

This comes after Suhail Afridi was elected as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday during a session in Peshawar, winning a majority vote.