All requirements for Gandapur’s resignation met “as per Constitution and law,” rules Speaker Swati
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi was elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday, replacing Ali Amin Gandapur, after party lawmakers voted in his favor amid a walkout by opposition members.
Afridi received 90 votes, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, and Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Arbab Zarak Khan got no votes as their parties boycotted the election.
The KP Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw opposition members walk out in protest. Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan said they refused to take part in what he called an “unlawful” process.
The election came under controversy after Governor Faisal Karim Kundi rejected Gandapur’s resignation, questioning the authenticity of his signature. Gandapur had stepped down on October 8 following PTI founder Imran Khan’s directives.
Afridi, a young PTI leader who began his political career in 2015 and became an MPA in the 2024 general elections, has drawn strong criticism from the federal government, which accused PTI of sympathizing with militants.
Afridi Calls for Review of Afghan Policy In his first speech as chief minister, Afridi addressed the issue of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He emphasized that peace can only be achieved by involving local elders and community representatives.
“Where there is terrorism, engage the local leaders, parliamentarians, and elders in decision-making,” Afridi said, calling for a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy.
The remarks highlight growing differences between the KP and federal governments. While the Centre has been expelling undocumented Afghan refugees, the KP government under Gandapur opposed forced deportations.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades. Although many have returned home, around two million remain in KP and other provinces.
Terrorism also remains a key point of dispute. The outgoing CM opposed any new military operations in the province, urging dialogue over force. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban-led government in Kabul to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated recently after Taliban and TTP fighters attacked along the border. Pakistani forces retaliated, killing over 200 militants, while 23 soldiers were martyred.
Afridi Vows to Work for Imran Khan’s Release Afridi said that some people mocked his nomination because of his tribal roots. “I did not become CM through privilege. I come from a middle-class tribal family with no political background,” he said, thanking Imran Khan for his trust.
He praised Ali Amin Gandapur for stepping down gracefully and said he would begin efforts for Imran Khan’s release from jail. “I have no greed for power or wealth. If my leader says leave the chair, I will,” he declared.
Afridi warned that if Imran Khan were moved from Adiala Jail without consultation with his family or party, PTI would “paralyze the entire country.”
Probe into February 8 Election Rigging Reaffirming PTI’s stance on alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections, Afridi announced an investigation into what he called “stolen constituencies.”
His statement follows the Commonwealth’s recent report that criticized restrictions on voters’ rights, mobile network shutdowns on election night, and possible manipulation of result forms. The report said discrepancies were found between forms held by party agents and those uploaded by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Speaker Rules Gandapur’s Resignation Constitutional Amid the controversy, KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati ruled that Gandapur’s resignation was valid and constitutional. He said Gandapur sent two resignation letters—on October 8 and October 11—both properly signed.
“All requirements of the Constitution and law were fulfilled,” Swati stated, citing a previous court decision. “It is my duty to protect the Constitution and law,” he added, noting that some people simply did not want Afridi to become CM.
Opposition to Challenge CM Election in Court PML-N opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah Khan told Geo News that the opposition will challenge Afridi’s election in court, calling it unconstitutional.
He said the governor had not officially accepted Gandapur’s resignation, making the CM election invalid. “The government already has the majority. Why rush and make the election controversial?” he asked.
Meanwhile, KP Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel said the provincial government will write to the Peshawar High Court Chief Justice to nominate an official to administer Afridi’s oath in the absence of the governor.
