Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday expressed deep concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the province and said that strict directives had been issued to relevant authorities to apprehend the killers of Maulana Muhammad Idrees.

“I am personally reviewing progress on a daily basis. All available resources will be utilised to bring those involved in this incident to justice,” he said during his visit to Charsadda district to attend a prayer event for the cleric.

The chief minister posed pointed questions: “Why are such incidents happening? Why are Pakhtuns still displaced and unsafe today?”

He added that the enemies of peace made no distinction between any party, school of thought, or organisation, but systematically targeted every effective and capable figure.

He also expressed sympathy and condolences to the grieving family, disciples and associates of the slain religious leader.

Addressing the attendees, Afridi described the incident as a “monumental tragedy”. “His religious, academic, and intellectual services will always be remembered,” the chief minister said.

Read More: Renowned cleric Muhammad Idrees killed in targeted attack in Charsadda

He noted that the massive turnout of people from all walks of life at the funeral prayer was clear evidence that Maulana Idrees was a figure who stood firmly for truth and righteousness.

“The government and the people stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” Afridi added.

Afridi traced the roots of the region’s instability to 2002. “Since then, this region has been plagued by persistent unrest, terrorism, and bloodshed. For the past 23 years, our people have been carrying coffins. This must end now.”

He further stated that all political and religious parties, along with various schools of thought, had rejected policies formulated behind closed doors on the assembly floor. “Yet, powerful circles continue to impose such policies on the nation at gunpoint,” he lamented.

Emphasising collective responsibility, the chief minister said, “This is not the fight of a single individual, party, or class. This is our shared battle. We can no longer afford decisions made in closed rooms because the people demand peace.”