PESHAWAR: In a dramatic turn of events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s political landscape, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi was elected as the province’s new Chief Minister on Monday. Afridi secured 90 votes in the KP Assembly, while opposition candidates from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) received none, as their members staged a walkout in protest.
The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was marked by heated exchanges and a boycott led by opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan, who declared the process “unlawful.” Despite the absence of opposition lawmakers, PTI legislators and allies moved forward with the election, ensuring Afridi’s victory.
Controversy Over Gandapur’s Resignation
The election was overshadowed by a dispute regarding the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had earlier rejected Gandapur’s resignation, questioning the authenticity of his signatures. This move sparked a constitutional debate, with PTI insisting that Gandapur had stepped down voluntarily on the directives of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan on October 8.
Speaker Swati, in his ruling, dismissed the governor’s objections as “unconstitutional.” He clarified that Gandapur had submitted two separate resignation letters, on October 8 and October 11, both bearing his verified signatures. “All requirements for the resignation were in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” Swati said, citing precedent from the Hafiz Hamdullah case.
Speaker’s Strong Remarks
Addressing the assembly, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati made a pointed statement about the political resistance to Afridi’s nomination. He said:
“Some people wish that Sohail Afridi, whom Imran Khan has nominated, should not become Chief Minister. But the Constitution cannot run according to their wishes.”
The Speaker emphasized that constitutional matters must be guided by law, not by political preferences or external pressures.
PTI’s Response and Afridi’s Rise
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan hailed the election as a democratic success. “The process of election got completed, Suhail Afridi getting 90 votes, elected as CM-elect of KPK. Thanks God all available MPAs voted. I hope the next step of taking oath takes place and transition completes smoothly,” he said, while also paying tribute to Gandapur for his service.
Afridi, a relatively young politician, began his career in 2015 and rose through PTI’s ranks with a reputation for grassroots mobilization. He was elected as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in the 2024 general elections. His nomination as CM reflects PTI’s strategy of promoting younger leadership at a time when the party faces mounting pressure from the federal government.
Federal Government’s Reaction
The federal government has strongly criticized PTI’s move, accusing the party of harboring sympathies for extremist elements. Officials in Islamabad have expressed concern over Afridi’s elevation, suggesting it could deepen political instability in the province.
Despite these criticisms, PTI leaders argue that Afridi’s election demonstrates the party’s resilience and ability to maintain control in KP, even amid legal and political challenges.
Opposition’s Boycott
The boycott by opposition parties JUI-F, PML-N, and PPP was a significant development. Their candidates, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, and Arbab Zarak Khan, respectively, received no votes as their members walked out of the assembly session.
Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan stated that they could not participate in what he described as an “unlawful process.” The opposition maintains that the election lacks legitimacy due to the unresolved controversy over Gandapur’s resignation.
Looking Ahead
With Afridi’s election, PTI has managed to retain its stronghold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but the political storm is far from over. The opposition’s boycott, the governor’s objections, and the federal government’s criticism suggest that Afridi’s tenure may face significant hurdles.
According to Geo TV, the oath-taking ceremony is expected soon, though the timeline remains uncertain given the ongoing disputes. For now, Afridi’s election marks both a victory for PTI and the beginning of a new chapter in KP’s turbulent political journey.