In a session held under tight security in Peshawar, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi was elected as the new chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, securing 90 votes—well above the 73 needed for a simple majority in the 145-member house.
His election came amid uncertainty and political noise surrounding the resignation of former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which had sparked confusion over constitutional procedure and timing.
A Decisive Win for PTI
Despite the tense backdrop, PTI successfully rallied its members. One of its lawmakers, Asif Mehsud, could not attend the vote because he is currently abroad, but even without him, the party managed an easy win.
Once the result was announced, PTI legislators warmly congratulated Afridi—many of them hugging him, shaking hands, and cheering on the assembly floor. The scene has suggested a sense of relief and unity within party ranks after days of speculation.
Opposition’s Dilemma and Legal Objections
Afridi faced three opponents in the race:
• Maulana Lutfur Rehman – JUI-F
• Sardar Shahjahan Yousaf – PML-N
• Arbab Zarak – PPP
Opposition parties had debated whether to put forward a joint candidate or launch a boycott. Their main argument was procedural: they claimed that the election should not proceed unless Gandapur’s resignation was formally accepted.
However, the government countered that under the Constitution, a chief minister’s resignation does not require approval or rejection by the governor.
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The situation intensified when Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has raised some doubts over the signature of Ali Amin Gandapur and called him in for verification on October 15, but the election went ahead anyway.
Negotiations and Security
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati led the session and held talks with Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah to address procedural concerns. Discussions continued right up to the start of the vote.
Outside the assembly, security across Peshawar was strengthened to prevent any unrest, and PTI arranged a special breakfast for its lawmakers at the Chief Minister’s House before the session started.
PTI Consolidates Its Position
With Afridi’s election, PTI has tightened its political grip on Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The party not only brushed aside legal disputes but also left no stone unturned to manage the project unity at a time of internal debates and external criticism. The transition looks complete for now, and the party has now got another term of leadership in the province.