Islamabad, October 16, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday congratulated Sohail Afridi on his election as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and underscored the importance of strong coordination between the federal and provincial governments to achieve national objectives.
During their first telephonic conversation since Afridi’s election, the prime minister expressed his willingness to work jointly with the PTI-led provincial government “for Pakistan’s interests.”
“The Centre is ready to work with you for Pakistan’s interests,” the premier told the newly-elected chief minister, who took oath of office a day earlier, succeeding Ali Amin Gandapur.
Afridi, a young leader from Bara tehsil in Khyber district, previously served as provincial minister for higher education. Known for his ideological leanings and deep roots in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he has been associated with the party since his student days.
In his maiden address to the KP Assembly, CM Afridi described himself as a “champion of confrontational politics,” signalling his intent to continue his predecessor’s political stance and efforts for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
He warned that if Khan was moved from Adiala Jail without consultation with his family or the party, PTI would “paralyse the entire country” in protest.
Afridi also called on the federal government to review its Afghan policy, citing the growing threat of terrorism in KP — a position that appeared at odds with the Centre’s approach.
His remarks drew a strong reaction from Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, who termed the chief minister’s comments “unconstitutional and against the law.”
Speaking to a private news channel, Sanaullah said, “Sohail Afridi is saying that he will not work with the federal government.” He warned that provinces, while autonomous under the 18th Amendment, “cannot defy the federation.”
“If the chief minister-elect acts in line with what he said in his speech, I don’t think he can function under the Constitution and the law as head of a provincial government,” Sanaullah added.
He further urged the PTI to act responsibly, stating that if the party wants democratic engagement with the state and institutions, it must “behave like a political party, not an agitational movement.”
