KP CM Afridi vows action against officials who defied voters' mandate

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has ordered a review to identify government officers who, he alleges, failed to uphold the public mandate during last year’s general elections.

Chairing his first high-level meeting on law and order since taking office on October 13, Afridi directed the chief secretary to compile names of officials who “went against the people” during the February 8, 2024 polls. He also announced commendations for civil servants who, in his words, stood by voters when political pressure mounted.

Afridi’s remarks come in the context of the 2024 elections in which PTI-backed independents contested without the party symbol after an Election Commission decision, and the party later held protests alleging irregularities. Despite the setbacks, PTI formed the provincial government in KP, with Afridi replacing Ali Amin Gandapur after the latter resigned.

Separately, the chief minister criticised bulletproof vehicles provided to KP Police by the interior ministry, calling them substandard and demanding their return. Officials had said the vehicles aimed to boost force protection during security operations.

Afridi said his administration would pursue accountability in election-related misconduct, reward merit within the bureaucracy and ensure better operational readiness for police units.