PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said that all public universities, including the University of Peshawar, remain a priority for his government, adding that pension liabilities from 2017 to 2024 had been cleared in full, while dues from 2024 to June 2026 had also been released.

Addressing the University of Peshawar's convocation, the chief minister said the financial deficit of public universities had been reduced and government support for higher education had been increased. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would continue the Ehsaas Scholarship Programme from its own resources after the federal government discontinued it.

He said students and young people are the future of Pakistan and have always played a key role in national movements. He expressed concern over the country's growing brain drain, saying many young people are being forced to leave Pakistan due to a lack of employment opportunities and better prospects.

Criticising the federal government's economic policies, Afridi said it had failed to introduce effective measures for economic recovery and had instead relied on increasing petrol prices. He added that governments that remain disconnected from the public cannot succeed and that leaders must stay engaged with the people.

The chief minister said a free media is essential for democracy and that the public must have access to the facts. He also called for the issues of Kashmir, Balochistan and other regions to be resolved through political and constitutional means rather than the use of force, warning that politics based on hatred and division would lead to more dangerous consequences.

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He demanded an impartial investigation into the November 26 incidents and said the families of those who lost their lives should receive justice. Referring to the planned August 5 protest, he said the "semi-final" would be successful and that the public would also witness the “final.”

Afridi said Pakistan is facing a severe economic crisis and accused the federal government of prioritising political vendettas over economic stability. He claimed that despite continued state pressure, former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains popular, and said the country's economy had performed better before Khan's government was removed.

The chief minister said the provincial government had significantly increased its revenue through reforms without imposing new taxes and had exceeded its revenue collection target.

He further said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces a substantial share of the country's natural gas and demanded that the province's outstanding dues be paid immediately. He added that, under the Constitution, gas-producing provinces should receive priority and described gas load-shedding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as unacceptable.

Afridi said the provincial government stands with students by providing interest-free education loans as well as loans for higher education abroad. He added that the provincial internship policy has been finalised and will be formally announced soon.