Najam Sethi returns to Dunya TV with revelations on Sohail Afridi's appointment as KP CM

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Acclaimed journalist and political analyst Najam Sethi today launched his new programme Aaj Ki Baat Sethi Ke Saath on Dunya TV, marking his return to primetime political commentary.

In his first show, he described November as a politically critical month, hinting at intensifying developments in the country's power dynamics.

Sethi claimed that Sohail Afridi was appointed as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the specific purpose of leading political confrontation, referring to him as a “fight CM”. He noted that Afridi has not met the party founder due to concerns that any direct instructions could trigger disruption. Sethi asserted that the provincial chief minister is unable to make independent decisions without guidance from the founder, while the political party actively keeps the PTI founder’s issue alive to maintain relevance.

Turning to regional affairs, Sethi spoke on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, foreseeing deteriorating conditions. He suggested that if militant incidents originate from Afghan territory, Pakistan may retaliate with strikes, indicating the prospect of rising cross-border tension.

When asked by host Syeda Ayesha Naz about the recent meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump, Sethi deemed it a highly significant development, particularly as it took place after eight years. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic concerns as Israel’s neighbour and its interest in revisiting the Abraham Accords, especially after recent tensions reportedly involving the Palestinian negotiation team in Qatar.

According to Sethi, Saudi Arabia wishes to sign the Abraham Accords to reduce hostilities with Israel, but negotiations have stalled. He said the reported Israeli action in Qatar targeting a Palestinian delegation has caused a major shift in diplomatic thinking across the region.

He revealed that Saudi Arabia recently signed a defence agreement with Pakistan and subsequently urged the United States to strengthen involvement. Riyadh reportedly questioned Washington’s credibility for not informing them about developments in Qatar, demanding greater assurance of protection and strategic cooperation.

Sethi further explained that the Saudi Crown Prince has called for upgrading the existing defence agreement with the United States, seeking a clause that would classify any attack on Saudi Arabia as an attack on the US. He [the Crown Prince] also demanded F-35 fighter jets, while addressing American concerns about possible technology leakage to Pakistan or China.

In response, Donald Trump pursued substantial economic gains, securing a $600 billion investment agreement from Saudi Arabia. Following the talks, conversations around the Abraham Accords were also revived, signalling a pivotal reshaping of regional alliances and strategic partnerships.