Islamabad, October 15, 2025: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has instructed newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to engage all relevant stakeholders in formulating an effective and comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism in the province.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) from jail, Imran congratulated Afridi on his election and urged him to focus on restoring lasting peace and reviving the province’s economy.
“I once again direct the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to engage with all stakeholders to formulate an effective and comprehensive strategy against terrorism so that lasting peace can be established in the province, and as a result, the economy can be revived,” Imran said.
The PTI founder, who remains incarcerated at Adiala Jail, said the people of KP had given the party a clear mandate and that his government would never act against the interests of Pakistan or its citizens.
“We are answerable to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not to someone else,” he added.
Referring to Afridi as his “opening batsman,” Imran urged the new chief minister to “play with confidence.” He also praised the smooth transfer of power in the province, saying it reflected the party’s unity and discipline.
“The way KP assembly members stood firm on their ideology and voted for my nominated chief minister without hesitation is commendable,” he said, while also paying tribute to Ali Amin Gandapur for resigning on his directives to ensure a peaceful transition.
“Ali Amin Gandapur resigned not once but three times without reluctance. This smooth transition proves that PTI’s ideology reigns supreme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Sohail Afridi was elected as KP chief minister on Monday after securing 90 votes in the provincial assembly. Opposition parties, including JUI-F, PML-N, and PPP, boycotted the session, leading to a walkout before voting began.
In his maiden address to the assembly, Afridi emphasized that resolving terrorism in the province required consultation with local elders and representatives, particularly in affected areas.
“Where there is terrorism, take the local representatives, parliamentarians, people, and elders into confidence,” he said.
The new chief minister also called for a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy, noting that regional peace and border stability were crucial for KP’s security.
Afridi warned that if Imran Khan was moved from Adiala Jail without consultation with his family and party, nationwide protests would be launched.
“No one should think that I will deviate from Imran Khan’s ideology,” he declared.
Reiterating PTI’s position on alleged rigging in the February 8, 2024 general elections, Afridi also announced plans to initiate an investigation into constituencies the party claims were “stolen” through electoral manipulation.
