Newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi has said that he had attained the office through hard work and public trust, pledging to focus his tenure on development, equality, and the intellectual uplift of the tribal districts.

In his first address on the floor of the provincial assembly, Afridi said, “I have come from the tribal areas and I am proud to be a Pakhtun — and above all, a Pakistani.”.

“No one from my family has ever been involved in politics. I have no Bhutto, Zardari, or Sharif attached to my name. I have reached this position through my own effort and merit.”

Afridi said the tribal districts had been left behind in development and that his government’s top priority would be the rapid progress of those regions.

He thanked assembly members for their support, saying, “I am deeply grateful to all who voted for me.”

Emphasising social justice and economic equality, the chief minister said his mission would be to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.

“We must end the divide between the wealthy and the underprivileged,” he stated, adding that he had not reached this position through any “slip of paper or conspiracy.”

Referring to his predecessor, Afridi said former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur had submitted his resignation twice, and that he respected his decision to step down publicly on the assembly floor despite objections from the governor.

Afridi described himself as a “champion of protest politics,” saying he feared nothing. “I may die in the love of Imran Khan, but I will not waver from my beliefs,” he said.

He added that he harboured no lust for power or position, declaring, “If you think I will abandon my ideology for the sake of the throne, you are mistaken. Power is not my goal — service is.”

Afridi said he had been entrusted with responsibility at a time when the province was facing serious challenges, but assured the public that he would remain steadfast.

“I have been trusted in difficult times, but I promise the people that I will remain who I am. No one should think that luxury or privilege will change my purpose.”

The chief minister also announced plans to work for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and all political detainees, saying, “From today, I will take practical steps for their release.”

Afridi noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people have suffered the most in the war against terrorism, adding that sacrifices continue to this day.

“Our people are still being martyred in acts of terror. The federal government must review its Afghan policy and take the KP government, tribal elders, and the people into confidence.”

Concluding his address, Afridi said the world was now moving toward dialogue and reconciliation, and that peaceful discussion was the only path to resolving problems.

He pledged that his government would strive to honour the people’s trust and take all possible measures for the peace and stability of the province.