K-P MPAs unite against drone strikes
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed three historic bills while Chief Minister Sohail Afridi made a dramatic appeal for cross-party cooperation to end drone strikes in the terrorism-hit areas of the province.
The session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw the unprecedented passage of the K-P Assembly Powers, Privileges and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2026, alongside two related bills governing speaker and member salaries and allowances. Law Minister Aftab Alam presented all three, incorporating an amendment by PPP leader Ahmed Kundi.
Speaker Swati declared the moment a turning point in provincial history. "Constitutional requirements delayed since 1973 have been fulfilled," he said. "This assembly has accomplished in two years what could not be achieved in the last 50 years." He thanked National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and his own team for modernizing rules untouched since 1974.
However, the session's most charged moment came when Chief Minister Afridi took the floor against drone strikes. "For three days, drones circled over my house," he revealed. "Whenever I announce a visit to Punjab or plan a rally, attacks begin."
The Chief Minister acknowledged legal constraints, noting that he cannot file a case against drone strikes due to constitutional protections. However, he announced plans to introduce legislation allowing legal action for damages caused by drones. "When civilians are harmed by drones, I receive messages saying 'I am sorry' and 'this is unfortunate' mere words are not enough," he said.
Reciting poetry in the assembly, Afridi declared he does not fear difficulties and challenges. "The real test is navigating the ship to shore under adverse conditions," he said, vowing to steer the province through crises despite all obstacles.
Afridi argued that drone strikes do not reduce terrorism but instead fuel it. "Innocent citizens, especially children, are targeted, breeding grief, anger, and a desire for revenge among the people," he warned.