Peshawar (Web Desk): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Sohail Afridi has been elected as Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) Chief Minister after receiving 90 out of 145 votes of the members of KP Assembly.
Afridi’s election came at a time of heightened political tension, following uncertainty surrounding the resignation of former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and objections raised by opposition parties over the legitimacy of the voting process.
Speaking in the assembly following the announcement of his victory, Sohail Afridi extended heartfelt thanks to PTI founder Imran Khan for reposing trust in an ordinary party worker from a middle-class background, unconnected to any political dynasty.
He asserted with pride, “Neither Bhutto, Zardari, nor Sharif are attached to my name,” underscoring his independent political identity.
Afridi spoke with emotion about his roots in the tribal districts, saying he took pride in belonging to a region that had long been misrepresented and neglected.
He lamented that for nearly eight decades, a perception had prevailed that the people of tribal areas were meant only to die and remain underdeveloped.
The newly elected KP CM said that said that the PTI founder understood the pain and deprivation that these districts had endured and had always voiced their concerns.
He stated that words of gratitude would never be enough to acknowledge Imran’s trust and leadership.
Afridi shared that the people of the tribal districts were overwhelmed with joy over his nomination and were expressing gratitude to the PTI founder and the party for recognizing them.
Sohail Afridi said that his leader’s vision was that leadership was not inherited through family names like Sharif, Bhutto, or Zardari but earned through dedication and service.
Expressing appreciation for former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Afridi praised his grace and humility in stepping down. “Ali bhai, the dignity with which you resigned deserves respect,” he remarked.
Afridi described himself as “champion of politics of protest”, saying he had no interest in the privileges of power. “I have no luxury cars, no lavish houses, no wealth, and no hunger for position.
The day my leader asks me to leave, I will walk away without hesitation,” he declared.
The newly elected KP CM said that there were reports that the PTI founder, who remains behind bars, was being transferred without consultation with his family or the party. “If such a move is made without consent, we will bring the country to a standstill,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw a boycott from opposition lawmakers who walked out in protest.
Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan announced that his party would not participate in what he described as an “unlawful” proceeding. However, talks between both sides continued until the voting began.
The provincial assembly, which comprises 145 members, requires 73 votes for a simple majority, a target Afridi comfortably achieved, solidifying PTI’s firm control over the province.
One PTI member, Asif Mehsud, was unable to cast his vote as he is currently overseas.
When the final results were announced, lawmakers congratulated Afridi, with several assembly members embracing him amid scenes of celebration.
Afridi’s contenders for the chief minister’s slot included Maulana Lutfur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Sardar Shahjahan Yousaf of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Earlier, opposition parties had discussed whether to unite behind a single nominee or to boycott the process altogether, insisting that the election should not proceed until Gandapur’s resignation was formally validated.
The KP government, however, asserted that the Constitution does not empower the governor to either approve or reject a resignation.
Despite Governor Faisal Karim Kundi questioning Gandapur’s signatures and summoning him for verification on October 15, the election took place as planned.
Peshawar remained under tight security throughout the day, while PTI legislators attended a breakfast hosted at the Chief Minister’s House before the assembly proceedings commenced.