Khan-led party in Pakistan elects new chief minister for KP govt amid opposition boycott

Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly elected on Monday Sohail Afridi as the province’s new chief minister, even as opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote, calling the process unconstitutional.

Afridi, a close ally of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, was nominated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to replace outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who resigned last week on Khan’s orders. The election took place amid uproar in the assembly, underscoring the growing political rift in the province.

Afridi secured 90 out of 115 votes in the provincial assembly, comfortably surpassing the simple majority needed to win. PTI had the support of 92 members, however, the speaker did not cast his vote while one member, Asif Mehsud, is currently out of the country.

The 35-year-old legislator now becomes the youngest chief minister in the province’s history and the first from the former tribal areas, which were merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018.

The opposition, however, walked out moments before voting began, insisting that the entire process was “illegal” because Gandapur’s resignation had not yet been formally accepted by the governor.

“In the presence of an existing chief minister, the election of a new chief minister is unconstitutional,” said Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibad Ullah before leaving the assembly chamber with his bloc.

‘Will ensure Imran, Bushra’s release’

Addressing the assembly after being elected chief minister, Sohail Afridi said he had earned the position through struggle, not through recommendations (parchi).

He said rejecting his candidacy would amount to disrespecting the tribal people, who had long been deprived of their due rights.

Afridi expressed gratitude to PTI founder Imran Khan for nominating him, saying Khan had always shown equal concern for the tribal people as for others.

He thanked the party leadership for their trust and vowed to serve with loyalty and humility. Afridi also praised former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, saying he had “resigned with grace” and even tendered his resignation twice when the governor attempted to create hurdles.

He said he had already begun efforts to secure the release of Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, declaring: “I will take all necessary steps to ensure their release — I have nothing to lose and will leave this seat as my leader directs.”

He warned against reports that Imran Khan might be moved to another jail, saying any transfer carried out without consultation would trigger nationwide blockades.

Afridi also alleged that Khan was imprisoned under what he called a “London plan,” claiming the PTI founder was punished merely for saying “absolutely not.”

Rejecting any military operation in the province, Afridi said Khan was against such action and “we will not allow” an operation to proceed.

He added that more than 20 operations alongside intelligence-based targeted operations had failed to resolve the issues, arguing that talks and negotiations — not force — were the solution.

He urged to revise and change policy against terrorism and Afghanistan.

Afridi vowed to take up the issue with the federal government over the ban on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the placement of its leaders on Schedule IV, which deals with terrorism-related charges.

He also claimed that the events of May 9, 2023 were a “false flag operation” aimed at undermining the PTI. “Despite everything, the people voted for PTI because they stand firmly with Imran Khan,” Afridi added.

He also promised to conduct an inquiry into alleged rigging in elections 2024.

Afridi also pledged to revoke the Actions (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, which grants extensive powers to security forces. “I will raise this matter in the very first cabinet meeting and withdraw it,” he said.

Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly congratulate newly elected Chief Minister Sohail Afridi after his victory. Nukta

Speaker Swati rejected the opposition’s objections, saying the constitution does not require a governor to accept a resignation before an election can proceed. “We will go according to the constitution,” he said. “There is no binding condition that the governor must accept the resignation — he is only an addressee.”

At the start of the session, Gandapur addressed lawmakers and congratulated Afridi in advance, drawing applause from PTI members. “We want the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution,” Gandapur said. “I submitted my resignation the same day Imran Khan ordered it. We will succeed in this struggle for justice.”

The outgoing chief minister defended his administration’s record, claiming that when he took office, the provincial treasury was empty. “Today, I leave behind 280 billion rupees,” Gandapur said, adding that his government had strengthened governance and financial stability.

He accused the opposition of stalling tactics and called for political unity. “Enough is enough — everyone must now focus on solving real issues,” he said. “Our struggle is for Imran Khan, because he is fighting for this nation.”

Afridi’s election marks a significant political transition for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region bordering Afghanistan that has often been at the center of Pakistan’s political and security challenges.

Who is Sohail Afridi

Afridi, who represents Khyber district in the provincial assembly, began his political career in PTI’s youth wing, the Insaf Students Federation, before rising through the party ranks. He most recently served as minister for higher education and, before that, as special assistant to Gandapur.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja described Afridi’s elevation as part of the party’s vision to empower historically marginalized regions. “Afridi will be the youngest and the first chief minister from the tribal areas,” he said earlier.

Party insiders say Afridi is known for his strong loyalty to Imran Khan and close ties with the former prime minister’s sister, Aleema Khan. Within PTI, he is seen as a hardliner who maintains a firm anti-establishment stance.

While PTI commands a majority in the 115-member provincial assembly, some lawmakers remain independents, creating uncertainty about long-term stability. Reports have circulated that certain members are under pressure to defect — a development that could test Afridi’s ability to consolidate power.

The controversy over Gandapur’s resignation added to the drama surrounding the vote. Earlier, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said he had received two resignation letters bearing different signatures and summoned Gandapur for verification. Gandapur later confirmed both were authentic.