A fiery political dispute over bulletproof vehicles has erupted between the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments, with a senior minister accusing the provincial leadership of risking lives through ‘childish decisions’ and incompetence.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry launched a blistering attack on the KP administration, asserting it was politicizing a critical national security matter. He claimed the provincial leadership’s actions suggest they have no desire to combat terrorists.
‘The federal government provided bulletproof vehicles with sincerity, but this issue has been turned into a political controversy,’ Chaudhry stated, directing sharp criticism at the province’s new chief executive. He described Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as a ‘Buzdar-style’ leader, alleging an individual with ‘childish and immature thinking’ had been deliberately appointed.
The minister revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sanctioned the provision of modern armored cars for the KP Police despite the nation’s financial constraints. He added that the vehicles originally designated for the provincial police were now being used by himself and the Interior Minister due to the ongoing dispute.
Chaudhry condemned what he called the KP government’s ‘failure to take concrete action against terrorism,’ reminding them that Article 148 of the Constitution tempers provincial autonomy in matters of national importance. ‘The fight against terrorism is a battle for the entire country,’ he stressed.
The State Minister delivered a stark warning, suggesting that the provincial government’s non-seriousness could have fatal consequences. ‘Changing the Chief Minister will not stop this war, but such childish decisions could cost lives – and if that happens, the responsibility will rest on them,’ he declared, accusing the leadership of leaving police personnel ‘at the mercy of terrorists.’
Chaudhry also remarked that if the Chief Minister disliked the vehicles, he could have demonstrated leadership by handing over his personal bulletproof car to the police force. He alleged that the CM has yet to present any public welfare initiatives and was “brought in for another purpose.”
While acknowledging that the Constitution permits the imposition of Governor’s Rule, the minister clarified that the federal government currently has no intention of exercising that option. He concluded by urging the KP administration to prioritize the safety of citizens and law enforcement officers over political disagreements.