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“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on the successful and dignified completion of the transition process within the provincial government. The way our members stood firmly by the party’s ideology and voted, without hesitation or reservation, for my nominee for Chief Minister is truly commendable. I also pay tribute to Ali Amin Gandapur, who, without any reluctance, tendered his resignation, not just once but three times. This smooth transition is clear evidence that the ideology of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues to be strong in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. My message specifically for Sohail Afridi is that he is my opening batsman, and he should play expensively and with full confidence. PTI is the largest political party in the country. To label those associated with it as ‘traitors’ merely because they disagree with a particular policy is extremely dangerous. Those who distribute certificates of treason and label others as ‘anti-state’ for political convenience must be stopped. As a politician, it is my democratic right to critique any policy that goes against the public interest, national integrity, or democratic principles. I have always opposed, and will continue to oppose, any such policy that harms Pakistan’s interests. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have given us their mandate, and we are accountable not to the DG ISPR but to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Therefore, we shall never act against the interests of Pakistan or its people. I have no enmity with the Pakistan Army. The Army is mine just as the country and its people are mine. Many members of my own family have served in the armed forces. During the 1965 war, people from seven out of eight houses in our Zaman Park community were serving in the Army, defending the nation. It pains me deeply when soldiers lose their lives in the war against terrorism. Yet instability persists, and lives continue to be lost on both sides. History bears witness that military operations alone cannot eradicate terrorism. Our principled stance is that military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are unacceptable, as lives of innocent civilians are lost under the label of ‘collateral damage’ and people are displaced from their homes. Large-scale operations have been carried out for decades in an attempt to eliminate terrorism, but the menace persists. Precious lives are lost every year, whether the martyrs are soldiers, police officers, or innocent civilians. I have always maintained that to achieve the complete elimination of terrorism, decisions cannot be made behind closed doors. What is needed is a comprehensive strategy based on political wisdom and inclusivity. Any policy formulated without the consultation and participation of political representatives and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is unacceptable. All key stakeholders, including local tribal leaders, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, and the Afghan government must be consulted in determining counterterrorism policies. Without meaningful dialogue with Afghanistan, the issue of terrorism cannot be resolved. I once again instruct the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to engage all parties involved and formulate an effective and comprehensive strategy against terrorism. One that ensures sustainable peace in the province and ultimately leads to economic recovery. In every democratic society, citizens have the fundamental right to peaceful protest. To use violence against unarmed people and open fire on them is completely unacceptable. The brutality inflicted upon Tehreek-e-Labbaik workers is the same injustice that PTI has been enduring for the past three years. A similar massacre occurred on November 26th (2024) at D-Chowk when our unarmed supporters were fired upon by snipers. I strongly condemn the inhumane violence and the shooting of unarmed citizens in the Muridke tragedy.” Message from Former Prime Minister Imran Khan from Adiala Jail