KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has recalled defective bulletproof cars offered to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has dared the federal government by ordering the bullets-proof cars recently supplied to the province’s police force to be returned in an immediate move. The cars, Afridi asserted, were outdated, defective, and not usable — a claim that has spurred political and administrative tumult across Pakistan.
Addressing a senior gathering at the Chief Minister’s residence, Afridi expressed irritation at what he described as “neglect and inattention to the security needs of the province.” The Chief Minister emphasized that the vehicles, intended to protect officers operating in high-risk environments, posed more risk than safety since they were in such deplorable condition.
Defective Supplies Fuel Tensions Between KP and Islamabad
The controversy surrounding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bulletproof vehicles issue represents a growing divergence between the province and the federal government. Afridi attacked Islamabad for providing KP police with obsolete security vehicles, stating that this shows there is no seriousness in the safety of KP’s law enforcers.
He asserted, “Our police officers risk their lives daily. Giving them defective cars is not only irresponsible but insulting to their sacrifices.”
The CM’s statement has invoked an extreme response from the political fraternity, and opposition leaders have used the same words about discriminatory resource allocation and late federal assistance to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Afridi Seeks Early Release of Federal Funds
Apart from the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi used the session to bring up a broader issue — the delay in the release of federal funds. He urged Islamabad to expedite the release of development and security budgets that the province is rightly owed.
Afridi emphasized that financial constraints have hindered several critical projects in KP, including those focused on infrastructure and public safety. “The timely release of funds is not a favor — it’s our right under the constitution,” he remarked firmly.
Observers believe that Afridi’s assertive tone signals a shift in KP’s political approach, reflecting growing impatience with bureaucratic red tape and delayed cooperation from the federal government.
Police Welfare and Accountability to the Forefront
Afridi confirmed in his address that his government is still committed to police welfare and operational effectiveness. He announced that all security gear and vehicles supplied from federal sources would now be thoroughly examined and certified before going into action.
This is regarding accountability,” Afridi declared. “We will not compromise on the lives of our police officers, nor will we allow inferior quality supplies to be used in the name of federal assistance.”
KP Police officials confirmed that many of the bulletproof cars returned were in bad mechanical state and were deemed unsafe for field use.
Political and Public Reactions
Afridi’s decision has been met with mixed responses. While provincial leaders and civil society groups have praised his bold move, federal representatives have downplayed the issue, insisting that all vehicles were transferred under approved guidelines.
Analysts, however, argue that this dispute highlights deeper administrative gaps between Islamabad and the provinces — particularly in resource distribution and governance accountability.
A Stand for Provincial Integrity
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s firm response marks a significant moment in KP’s evolving political narrative. His call for transparency, accountability, and timely federal cooperation resonates strongly with citizens who often feel neglected by central authorities.
In defending the Khymer Pakhtunkhwa bulletproof vehicles issue, Afridi has defended not only the dignity of his province but also restored the national discourse on provincial rights, equality of resources, and the security of those who defend Pakistan’s borders.
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