KP CM Sohail Afridi Accused of Insulting Martyrs’ Sacrifices and Armed Forces

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi is facing nationwide criticism and condemnation after making a controversial statement alleging that security forces had committed acts of desecration inside mosques during past counter-terrorism operations.

In his remarks, CM Afridi claimed that.

“Security forces would tie dogs inside our mosques… and they would say that you and these dogs are one and the same.”

The statement has been widely denounced as baseless, inflammatory, and deeply offensive, seen by many as an insult to both the religious sanctity of mosques and the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security personnel.

Allegations of Desecration and Insult

The controversial comments were made during a public address, where Afridi framed his community’s reaction as an act of “tolerance,” saying,

“Even after that, look at our hearts, we still say the army is ours, this country is ours too.”

However, no media reports, legal proceedings, or public investigations exist to corroborate the Chief Minister’s claim. Critics have accused Afridi of fabricating events, discrediting the armed forces, and echoing extremist narratives.

“Such statements are provocative and insulting to the martyrs who laid down their lives while offering prayers in these very mosques,” a senior analyst remarked.
“If such an incident had occurred, neither the media nor the courts would have remained silent.”

Defense of Military Operations and Sacrifices

Afridi’s remarks also included criticism of Pakistan’s military operations in the tribal regions.
Analysts, veterans, and public commentators have responded with a flood of factual counterpointsemphasizing the record of sacrifice and success achieved during those operations.

Key Counter-Facts:

• Protection of Holy Sites:
  From 2010 to 2024, Pakistan saw morethan 400 attacks on mosques and madrasas, resulting in hundreds of worshippers being martyred. Following each attack, security checkpoints were established by Pakistan’s Army, FC, and Police to ensure public safety.
• Success of Counter-Terrorism Operations:
  • Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat): Over 2.5 million IDPs returned home; peace, education, and tourism were restored.
  • Operation Zarb-e-Azb (North Waziristan): Over 3,500 militants eliminated, destroying 90% of militant networks.
  • Operation Rad-ul-Fasaad: Conducted more than 120,000 intelligence-based operations, recovered 700 tons of explosives, and reduced suicide attacks by over 90%.

• The Cost of Peace:
  The country’s war on terror has claimed over 90,000 lives of soldiers and civilians combined. Critics highlight that today’s relative peace, which allows political leaders to speak freely, is a direct result of these sacrifices.

Critics Warn of a Dangerous Narrative

Some commentators have gone further, labeling CM Afridi’s statement as part of a “larger agenda” to undermine state institutionsand legitimize extremist groups.

“Sohail Afridi is a project to provide TTP and PTM legitimacy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” one analyst warned.
“This isn’t mere political defiance, it’s a dangerous narrative that could pave the way for chaos.”

 Call for Accountability

The controversial statement has prompted calls for legal accountability and demands for Afridi to produce concrete evidence in court. In a country governed by law, such an allegation should be backed with proof or withdrawn publicly. Otherwise, it risks becoming another dangerous myth, similar to past disinformation used to radicalize militants. Citizens and analysts alike have urged politicians to respect the blood of martyrsand avoid exploiting sensitive national issues for political gain.

“Let’s disagree politically,” one commentator stated, “but mocking the sanctity of mosques and the sacrifices of those who defended them crosses all limits.”

 What’s Next

As of now, neither the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) nor the federal government has issued a formal written response to the Chief Minister’s remarks, though strong condemnations from journalists, veterans, and civil society continue to pour in across media platforms. The controversy remains a flashpoint in Pakistan’s political discourse, reigniting debate over political responsibility, misinformation, and respect for national institutions.

Bottom Line

The statement by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi unsubstantiated, divisive, and inflammatory, has been met with near-universal condemnation. Critics stress that freedom of speech cannot come at the expense of national unity, nor can baseless allegations be allowed to undermine the sacrifices of those who defended Pakistan’s mosques, schools, and homes.

ALSO SEE

Six Soldiers Martyred, 14 Injured in Terrorist Attack on Convoy in Kurram Agency

Militant ambush near Sultan Kalli leaves multiple casualties; security forces launch large-scale search operation in the area.