Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's chief minister demands $3.5 billion from Islamabad, warns against military operations, and pledges peace talks and police reforms.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi demanded PKR 550 billion from the federal government and called for an urgent National Finance Commission meeting, criticizing Islamabad for ignoring the province’s financial and security needs despite its post-9/11 sacrifices. He warned against new military operations in tribal areas, stating civilians would not be scapegoated and any casualties would face accountability. Afridi emphasized provincial inclusion in national decisions and announced a "grand peace jirga" involving tribal elders, scholars, civil society, and former leaders to develop a unified peace strategy. The provincial government pledged to strengthen law enforcement through modernization and training.