Peshawar, October 13, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Sohail Afridi was elected the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday amid an opposition walkout and lingering uncertainty over the resignation status of outgoing CM Ali Amin Gandapur.
The KP Assembly session, presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw Afridi secure 90 votes in the 145-member house — comfortably above the required 73. The opposition candidates, Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan (PPP), received zero votes as their parties boycotted the proceedings.
Speaker Swati said three MPAs were abroad and that the election proceeded lawfully under Article 130 of the Constitution, despite the opposition’s protest that Gandapur’s resignation had not yet been accepted by the governor.
Afridi thanks Imran, vows loyalty to PTI founder
After his election, Afridi, a first-time CM from the tribal districts, expressed gratitude to PTI founder Imran Khan, saying the appointment of a “middle-class worker” showed the party’s commitment to empowering ordinary Pakistanis.
“Neither Bhutto, Zardari, nor Sharif is attached to my name,” Afridi declared in his maiden address, adding that tribal districts had long been marginalized but would now have a voice at the top level.
He praised Gandapur’s “graceful resignation” and vowed to carry forward Imran Khan’s political struggle. Afridi warned that any attempt to move Imran without consultation would provoke a nationwide shutdown.
“If he is shifted without consultation, we will jam the whole country,” he said.
PTI leaders hail Afridi’s election
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan congratulated Afridi and paid tribute to Gandapur for ensuring a smooth transition. Senior leaders Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, and Junaid Akbar also lauded the election, calling it a reflection of Imran Khan’s vision to elevate hardworking and ideological party workers.
“Afridi’s rise from student politics to chief minister is a testament to merit and Imran Khan’s inclusive vision,” Qaiser said.
Opposition walks out over ‘unconstitutional’ process
Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah (PML-N) declared the process “unconstitutional,” arguing that a new CM could not be elected while the outgoing one’s resignation remained unaccepted.
Holding a copy of the Constitution, he said, “In the presence of an existing chief minister, this election is unconstitutional. We will not be part of this.”
The opposition benches staged a walkout, leaving the PTI-dominated assembly to proceed with the vote.
Speaker rules election lawful
Responding to opposition claims, Speaker Swati said Gandapur had twice tendered his resignation and even announced it publicly. “The chief minister’s election is being lawfully conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the rules of the assembly,” he ruled.
Gandapur congratulates successor
At the start of the session, Gandapur congratulated Afridi “in advance” and said he had resigned on Imran Khan’s directives.
He defended his government’s record, saying it had increased provincial reserves to Rs280 million and provided funds across all constituencies.
“We came with empty coffers, but I am leaving with pride,” Gandapur said. “Our struggle for justice will continue under Imran Khan’s leadership.”
Governor returns resignation over ‘disparate signatures’
The constitutional controversy deepened Sunday night when KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi returned Gandapur’s resignation, citing discrepancies in signatures on two letters dated October 8 and 11.
Kundi summoned Gandapur to appear at Governor House on October 15 to verify the documents’ authenticity.
Gandapur responded on social media, saying both resignations bore his “authentic signatures” and thanking the governor for acknowledging receipt of his earlier letter.
Gandapur announced his resignation on October 8, claiming to have stepped down in line with party founder Imran Khan’s decision to nominate Sohail Afridi as his successor. The governor’s office initially denied receiving the letter, prompting confusion over the transition.
The PTI maintains that all constitutional procedures were fulfilled and expects Afridi to take oath as chief minister soon.
