PTI’s Sohail Afridi Elected New Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday elected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of the province after the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur, ARY News reported.
Sohail Afridi, a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from the Khyber region, secured 90 votes to become the new leader of the house. The election took place amid political tension following Gandapur’s sudden resignation earlier this week.
A PTI lawmaker, Asif Mehsud, could not participate in the voting process as he is currently out of the country, according to party sources. The opposition members of the KP Assembly boycotted the session after Governor Faisal Karim Kundi raised objections over the resignation of former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The governor’s office confirmed receiving two resignation letters bearing different signatures, prompting doubts about their authenticity. The Governor has summoned Gandapur to appear at the Governor’s House on October 15 at 3 p.m. to verify the resignation.
According to reports, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stated that the issue will be resolved in line with the Constitution of Pakistan. He also clarified that the Chief Minister’s resignation must be verified before any formal transition of power. Political observers suggest the development has created uncertainty in the province, though PTI maintains a clear majority in the assembly, ensuring Sohail Afridi’s smooth election as the new Chief Minister.
Ali Amin Gandapur, who took office earlier this year, resigned amid internal party discussions and growing pressure following administrative and policy challenges in the province. Sohail Afridi, known for his active role in PTI’s provincial leadership, belongs to the Khyber tribal district and is regarded as a loyal party figure close to the central leadership.
Analysts believe Afridi’s appointment aims to stabilize PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and strengthen its position ahead of upcoming political developments at the national level. Sources within the Governor’s House confirmed that a formal announcement regarding the verification of Gandapur’s resignation will be made following his appearance.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Assembly Secretariat has begun preparations for the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister-elect Sohail Afridi, expected to be held soon after constitutional verification is completed.
