Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, through a video message, directed government officials to take legal action against media houses criticising the government.
Sohail Afridi instructed all provincial secretaries to send legal notices within three days to media outlets reporting on corruption.
In the video, he further said that any government official who fails to take legal action against media houses will face action on the fourth day.
An attempt is reportedly being made to suppress press freedom in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sohail Afridi has directed officials to initiate legal proceedings against media houses within three days.
It is worth noting that stories of corruption in government institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been frequently reported in the media, while CM Sohail Afridi is reportedly displeased with media coverage highlighting corruption.
It is alleged that threats are now being used to suppress news related to corruption.
On the other hand, the information minister, Atta Tarar, wrote on X, “When defending performance is no longer possible, attacks on the media begin. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa want to know why terrorism is increasing, why developmental projects are stalled, why investment is not coming in, and why the youth are anxious for employment.
Instead of answering these questions, holding journalists accountable is an escape from reality. The media does not create issues; it only brings them before the public.
Democratic leadership responds to criticism with facts, not with thuggery.”
جب کارکردگی کا دفاع ممکن نہ رہے تو میڈیا پر حملے شروع ہو جاتے ہیں۔
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 21, 2026
خیبر پختونخوا کے عوام یہ جاننا چاہتے ہیں کہ دہشت گردی کیوں بڑھ رہی ہے، ترقیاتی منصوبے کیوں رکے ہوئے ہیں، سرمایہ کاری کیوں نہیں آ رہی اور نوجوان روزگار کے لیے کیوں پریشان ہیں۔
ان سوالات کا جواب دینے کے بجائے… https://t.co/zwzD64cl7r
Also Read, Petition filed in FCC for restoration of Ali Amin Gandapur as KP Chief Minister
Earlier, the petition was filed in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) seeking the reinstatement of Ali Amin Gandapur as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The petition was filed by renowned lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat, arguing that Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation was unconstitutional and made under pressure; therefore, it should be declared null and void.
According to the petition, Sher Afzal Marwat requested the court to declare Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation unconstitutional, null, and void.
The petition states that the de-notification of Ali Amin Gandapur was illegal and unconstitutional. It further alleges that his resignation was obtained under pressure and at the direction of a convicted and disqualified individual.
