Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Condemns DI Khan Bomb Attack, Announces Historic Street Vendors Protection Bill
Independent Report
Peshawar, 20 November 2025:
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the bomb blast targeting a police vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan and has directed the Inspector General of Police to submit an immediate report. The Chief Minister described the incident as “deeply regrettable and condemnable” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He emphasized that such cowardly attacks will not weaken the resolve of law enforcement or the people, and the province’s fight against terrorism will continue with renewed determination. CM Afridi also assured that the sacrifices of the martyred police officers will not go in vain and that all resources will be mobilized to maintain law and order and eliminate terrorism.
In a separate development, the Chief Minister announced a historic initiative to formalize and protect the livelihoods of street vendors in the province. The draft of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ehsaas Rehribaan (Street Vendors) Livelihood Protection Bill 2025 has been completed and will be sent to the provincial cabinet for approval before being presented to the Assembly. Under the new law, over 140,000 street vendors will be formally included in a state protection system, and no individual, official, or authority will be allowed to unlawfully seize vending spaces or exert pressure on their livelihoods.
CM Afridi noted that by giving structure to the province’s street economy, currently valued at over PKR 380 billion, the government is taking a historic step to safeguard a traditionally informal and vulnerable sector. The proposed legislation ensures protection against harassment, bribery, extortion, and arbitrary removal from vending locations. Registered vendors will also be provided access to microfinance, credit, insurance, and emergency support, integrating them into the formal economic system.
The Chief Minister stressed that the legislation reflects the vision of a just and welfare-oriented state, ensuring equitable protection for all citizens. He said, “This initiative is not just about securing immediate income. It is about restoring dignity, self-respect, and legal protection to street vendors, recognizing their hard work and contribution to the provincial economy.”
He further highlighted that vendor representation will be mandatory in all Tehsil Vending Committee decisions, ensuring inclusive policymaking and safeguarding the rights of vendors. CM Afridi concluded that this legislation will serve as a milestone for the province’s working class and lay the foundation for a modern, secure, and organized street economy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
