Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, while addressing members of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association

Peshawar Oct 29
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, while addressing members of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association and representatives of various bar councils, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. He emphasized that political differences must never overshadow the sanctity of constitutional order and judicial independence.
The Chief Minister was speaking as Chief Guest at a cheque distribution ceremony for bar associations held at the Peshawar High Court. On this occasion, a cheque of Rs 5 crore was presented to the Peshawar High Court Bar Association, while the Peshawar Bar Association received Rs 1 crore. However, on the request of Advocate Ali Zaman, member KP Bar Council, the Chief Minister announced an additional Rs 2 crore for the Peshawar Bar Association. Cheques of Rs 50 lakh each were also given to the District Bar Associations of Nowshera, Mohmand, and Charsadda, while Rs 25 lakh each were awarded to the Tehsil Bar Associations of Pabbi, Tangi, and Shabqadar.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said his visit was aimed at engaging the legal fraternity on critical issues concerning the erosion of constitutional supremacy and the growing threats to judicial independence.
“Politics, elections, and ideologies will come and go as they are part of democratic life. My purpose here is above politics. It is to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law, both of which are being systematically undermined in our country,” he said.

Referring to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the Chief Minister lamented that the judiciary had been rendered ineffective, and the long-standing traditions of judicial dignity and seniority had been eroded.
“We have reached a point where even the orders of a three-member bench can be thrown into the trash by a low-ranking official. This is not just an attack on the judiciary, it is an attack on the constitutional framework,” he remarked.
On his request to meet PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Chief Minister clarified that he had formally written to the Punjab Home Department and the federal government seeking permission to meet the PTI founding chairman for policy guidance, as he had not met him in two years.
“When permission was denied, I exercised my constitutional right and approached the Islamabad High Court, which directed the jail authorities to allow the meeting. However, despite a clear court order, a constable stopped me outside Adiala Jail. If this can happen to a sitting Chief Minister, imagine what is happening to ordinary citizens,” he said.
Warning against the dangers of silence, Sohail Afridi said that indifference in the face of injustice would ultimately consume everyone. The Chief Minister urged the legal fraternity to lead a renewed movement for the protection of the judiciary and the Constitution.
“Our judges have expressed in writing that their decisions are being interfered with. If they cannot have their judgments implemented, they must come before the people. Our brave lawyers will stand by them, just as they have done in the past,” he declared.
The Chief Minister also called for closer collaboration with bar associations in the legislative process, inviting proposals for laws that strengthen constitutional and fundamental rights.
“If you believe something is missing in our legislative agenda, bring your proposals forward. Passing people-centric legislation through the cabinet and assembly is my responsibility, and I will ensure it,” he said.

On education reform, Sohail Afridi announced that the provincial government had already implemented a uniform curriculum up to Grade 8, with plans to extend it to Grade 12 by 2026.
“We are committed to ensuring equal education opportunities for rich and poor alike,” he said, adding that equal access to quality education is the foundation of social justice.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that his government would continue to act strictly within constitutional bounds.