Former Prime Minister says PTI is accountable to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not to anyone else
Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister-elect Sohail Afridi to work closely with all stakeholders to develop a strong and comprehensive strategy against terrorism in the province.
“I once again direct the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to engage with all stakeholders to create an effective strategy against terrorism, so that lasting peace can be achieved and the province’s economy can be revived,” Imran Khan said in his message to CM-elect Afridi on X.
The jailed PTI founder said the people of KP had given his party a clear mandate, adding that PTI’s loyalty lies with the people of Pakistan and the province. He emphasized that the party’s leadership is answerable only to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Calling Afridi his “opening batsman,” Imran Khan encouraged him to “play with confidence.” He congratulated the newly elected members of the KP Assembly for ensuring a smooth transition of government.
“The way PTI members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood firm on their ideology and voted for my nominated Chief Minister Sohail Afridi without hesitation is commendable,” he said.
Imran Khan also praised outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for peacefully stepping down on his directives. “I pay tribute to Ali Amin Gandapur, who resigned not once but three times without reluctance. This smooth transition shows that the PTI ideology remains strong in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Afridi Calls for Review of Pakistan’s Afghan Policy
PTI’s nominee Sohail Afridi was elected Chief Minister on Monday, succeeding Ali Amin Gandapur after PTI-backed lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in his favor amid an opposition boycott. Afridi secured 90 votes, while JUI-F’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman, PML-N’s Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, and PPP’s Arbab Zarak Khan received none as their members walked out of the session.
Addressing the assembly, Afridi spoke on the critical issue of terrorism in KP and Balochistan, saying that meaningful peace requires involving local elders and representatives. “Where there is terrorism, take the local representatives, parliamentarians, and community elders into confidence,” he said.
Afridi also urged a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy to ensure regional peace and stability. He warned that if Imran Khan is moved from Adiala Jail without consulting his family and party, PTI would launch nationwide protests.
“No one should think that I have come to this position and will deviate from Imran Khan’s ideology,” he declared.
Reiterating PTI’s stance on alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections, Afridi announced plans to investigate how their constituencies were “stolen” during the polls.
