FCC to hear KP CM Sohail Afridi's disqualification case on Oct 15

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) fixed on Friday, October 15, to hear a petition challenging the appointment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan will head the bench conducting the hearing in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Peshawar and Islamabad high courts were reviewing separate allegations regarding the improper use of provincial resources for ongoing political protests in the province.

When will FCC hear the disqualification case?

The constitutional bench will evaluate arguments from both parties during the scheduled October 15 hearing of the petition.

Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat filed the petition against Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, arguing that a convicted individual lacks legal authority to nominate or appoint any public official. The legal challenge directly addresses the validity of Afridi's nomination and official appointment to the chief minister's office. The upcoming court proceedings aim to determine the legal standing of the chief minister's appointment under constitutional standards.

Peshawar High Court seeks response from Afridi

A day earlier, a two-member judicial bench at Peshawar High Court (PHC), led by Chief Justice SM Attiq Shah, heard the petition regarding the misuse of public funds and also issued a notice seeking a formal response from Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

A petition was submitted by PML-N Provincial Assembly Member Qari Zahir, challenging the CM KP's allocation of government resources for political rallies. Further, the petitioner alleged that provincial government machinery was deployed to support political activities and an ongoing protest long march of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the province.

The court directed state representatives to clarify how administrative equipment and financial resources were utilized. Also, the court ordered that the legal representatives must submit official documentation addressing the petitioner's claims during the next court session.

The legal developments create dual challenges for the provincial executive leadership in both federal and regional courts. The PHC session will continue alongside the FCC's proceedings. Judicial decisions from both matters could impact provincial administration operations moving forward.

Legal scrutiny intensifies over Islamabad long march

KP CM Sohail Afridi faces intensified legal scrutiny, compounded by warnings of a potential federal intervention, following his decision to lead a multi-day Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest long march toward Islamabad. The march, which seeks the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, has undergone multiple route modifications to bypass federal blockades. From starting the march in Lakki Marwat on October 8, Afridi-led convoy reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar yesterday. Meanwhile, federal government maintains its pledge to block any entry into Islamabad, ensuring that the legal friction surrounding the KP chief executive will likely intensify in the coming days.