Tribal elders in Khyber district have lauded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's decision to nominate Sohail Afridi as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming it a historic and positive step towards addressing the longstanding sense of deprivation among the tribal population.

Addressing a press conference at the Jamrud Press Club, elders including Malik Haji Abdul Manan Madokhel, Haji Barak Torakhel, Malik Yousaf Madokhel, and Yaseen Torakhel said that for the first time, a young leader from the tribal belt has been given the opportunity to lead the province. They described the move as a recognition of the sacrifices and struggles of the tribal people.

The elders strongly condemned the remarks made by Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar, who had allegedly labeled Sohail Afridi a terrorist. They said such statements were an insult to the tribal community and demanded that the minister immediately withdraw his“irresponsible and provocative” remarks and issue a public apology.

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They emphasized that Sohail Afridi is a patriotic, educated, and democratic-minded politician who has consistently advocated for the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution.“Imran Khan has once again demonstrated that his party upholds true democratic values, where individuals from humble backgrounds can rise to leadership positions,” one of the speakers remarked.

The Kokikhel elders urged all stakeholders to refrain from conspiracies and avoid creating obstacles in Sohail Afridi's appointment as Chief Minister. They warned that the tribal people would not allow any plot against their chosen leader to succeed.

Concluding the press conference, the elders congratulated Sohail Afridi on his nomination and thanked Imran Khan for what they described as a“historic step” towards ending the tribal population's sense of neglect.

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