CM Sohail Afridi Surprises Students with Unannounced Visit to University of Peshawar – Full 2025 Report
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi made an unexpected visit to the Department of Economics, University of Peshawar (UoP), surprising students and staff while engaging in open discussions about academic challenges, university finances, student welfare, and broader provincial rights.
His informal interaction quickly turned into an important policy conversation as the Chief Minister issued key instructions to the Vice-Chancellor and highlighted major financial and development concerns facing the province.
This detailed 1500-word article covers the full visit, major announcements, KP’s financial rights, student welfare initiatives, political and economic commentary, and future development plans.
1. CM Afridi’s Unannounced Visit to UoP – A Direct Interaction with Students
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s sudden arrival at the University of Peshawar created excitement among students. Unlike a formal event, the CM walked into classrooms, spoke casually with students, and asked them about:
- Academic facilities
- Hostel conditions
- Research environment
- Financial issues
- Teaching quality
- Student welfare
Students told the CM about electricity problems, lack of upgraded labs, high hostel expenses, insufficient scholarships, and outdated digital systems.
The CM assured them that these concerns would be addressed and promised quick and visible improvements.
2. Focus on University’s Financial Self-Sufficiency
One of the most important outcomes of the visit was Afridi’s instruction to the Vice-Chancellor to prepare actionable proposals for UoP’s financial independence.
He noted that government support would continue, but universities must also adopt long-term, sustainable models such as:
- Research-based revenue
- Consultancy services
- Collaboration with international donors
- Digital education expansion
- Public-private partnerships
- Commercialization of university assets
- Innovation and incubation centers
According to the CM, a self-sufficient university can ensure high-quality education, modern facilities, and better research output.
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3. KP’s Financial Rights – CM Highlights Pending Federal Payments
Afridi strongly criticized the federal government for withholding funds owed to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that:
- Rs 2,200 billion in net hydropower profits are unpaid
- Rs 1,375 billion under the NFC Award for merged districts is pending
- A promised Rs 100 billion per year for seven years totals Rs 700 billion, but KP received only Rs 168 billion, leaving Rs 532 billion pending
- Billions more are outstanding in water usage charges
He explained that these funds are essential for:
- Education
- Infrastructure
- Public welfare
- Health systems
- Security
- Employment creation
Afridi urged students to raise their voice constitutionally to protect the province’s rights, saying the youth are the most powerful stakeholders in shaping KP’s future.
4. Criticism of Federal Government – Corruption, Economic Slowdown & Mismanagement
CM Afridi accused what he called a “corrupt cabal” in the federal government of damaging Pakistan’s economy:
- He claimed corruption worth Rs 5,300 billion had drained national resources.
- He stated that GDP growth dropped from 6.2% under the previous government to 2.6%, leading to inflation, unemployment, and reduced investments.
According to Afridi, KP is progressing despite facing financial discrimination from the centre.
He argued that if the province receives its rightful funds, development projects will speed up dramatically.
5. Student Welfare Announcements – Meals, Solarisation & Lab Upgrades
During his conversation with students and faculty, Afridi announced several student-focused initiatives:
a. Subsidised Meals for Hostel Students
The CM asked for proposals to offer low-cost meals for students living in university hostels.
This initiative aims to support students suffering from high living expenses due to inflation.
b. Upgraded Computer Labs
The Economics Department will receive:
- New computer systems
- High-speed internet
- Data analysis tools
- Modern learning software
This upgrade is expected to strengthen digital learning and research capacity.
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c. Rs 53 Million Solarisation Project
Afridi announced a major solar energy project covering:
- Economics Department
- Political Science Department
- IM Studies Department
Solarisation will reduce energy costs and improve the learning environment by ensuring continuous electricity.
d. More Scholarships & Financial Packages
In the upcoming provincial budget, the government plans to introduce:
- Merit scholarships
- Need-based financial support
- Research grants
- Emergency aid packages
- Fee instalment options
e. Fast-Tracked Internship Policy
A new internship program will:
- Provide paid internships
- Connect students with industries
- Offer skill development
- Support job placement
These measures aim to reduce unemployment and prepare youth for future careers.
6. Strengthening Youth Voices – Encouraging Debates on Provincial Rights
Afridi emphasized the role of educated youth in shaping the province’s destiny. He encouraged universities across KP to:
- Conduct debates on constitutional rights
- Promote awareness about federal-provincial financial relations
- Teach students about governance, law, and resource management
- Encourage civic engagement and leadership
He said that informed youth are essential for peace, development, and strong democracy.
7. Security Situation – Learning from Past Mistakes
Commenting on security and terrorism, Afridi stated:
- Previous closed-door decisions caused long-term damage
- The current provincial government is committed to transparency
- New policies focus on stability, peace, and smart policing
- Youth must stay vigilant and aware of regional security issues
8. Commitment to Education & Youth Development
Afridi said that:
“The future of the province rests in the hands of its youth.”
He reaffirmed that the government will continue investing in:
- Higher education
- Research labs
- Digital campuses
- Innovation centres
- Solar energy
- Scholarships
- Skill development
The visit ended on a positive note, with students expressing hope that their concerns would finally be addressed.
9. Why This Visit Matters – Key Takeaways for KP’s Future
- It showed the CM’s direct engagement with students
- Highlighted the severe financial issues affecting KP
- Brought forward major education and welfare reforms
- Encouraged political and constitutional awareness among students
- Introduced practical steps for university modernization
- Strengthened student-government communication
This visit signals a stronger focus on education, transparency, financial justice, and youth empowerment in the coming years.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did CM Sohail Afridi visit the University of Peshawar?
He made an unannounced visit to interact with students, inspect facilities, and understand university challenges directly.
2. What financial issues did the CM highlight?
He said over Rs 2,200 billion in hydropower profits and Rs 1,375 billion under the NFC award are still owed to KP.
3. What new initiatives were announced for students?
Subsidised meals, lab upgrades, scholarships, internships, and a Rs 53 million solar energy project.
4. How will the university become financially self-sufficient?
Through research commercialization, partnerships, consultancy, and better asset management.
5. What message did he give to students?
To stay informed, raise their voice for KP’s rights, work hard, and contribute to development.
