PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Lawmakers in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday elected Sohail Afridi, a member of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, as the province’s new chief minister, following days of political drama over the resignation of his predecessor, Ali Amin Gandapur.
The vote in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, held amid an opposition walkout, saw Afridi secure 90 votes in the 145-member house — well above the 73 required for a majority. Opposition candidates from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) received no votes, according to Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
The opposition staged a walkout, calling the election “unconstitutional”, arguing that Gandapur’s resignation had not been formally accepted by the provincial governor. “In the presence of an existing chief minister, the election of a new one is unconstitutional,” said Dr. Ibadullah, leader of the opposition, before leaving the session.
PTI’s Afridi Hails Grassroots Politics
In his victory speech, Afridi thanked Imran Khan for his trust, saying he represented the middle class and tribal districts rather than traditional political dynasties. “Neither Bhutto, Zardari nor Sharif is attached to my name,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s most prominent political families.
Afridi, who hails from the country’s tribal belt, said his election symbolized a break from decades of elite politics. “A particular mindset has prevailed about tribal districts for 78 years. I am proud to represent them,” he told lawmakers.
Resignation Dispute Deepens
The election came amid confusion over whether Gandapur’s resignation had been legally processed. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi returned two resignation letters on Sunday night, citing “disparate signatures” and summoned Gandapur to clarify the matter later this week.
Despite the controversy, Speaker Swati ruled the election lawful, citing Article 130 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which outlines the procedure for a chief minister’s resignation and election.
Earlier in the session, Gandapur congratulated Afridi in advance, saying he was stepping down on Imran Khan’s directive and that PTI’s “struggle for justice” would continue under Afridi’s leadership. “Our movement is not limited to Imran Khan — it’s for the good of the nation,” Gandapur said, adding that his government left Rs280 million in the provincial treasury.
Political Uncertainty Persists
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordering Afghanistan, is a political stronghold of Imran Khan’s PTI, which governs the province even as Khan remains jailed and disqualified from holding public office. Governor Kundi has called for “joint efforts to ensure peace and public service” in the province, while opposition parties vow to challenge the legality of Afridi’s election in court.
