PESHAWAR – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will elect a new chief minister on Monday. Sohail Afridi, PTI’s nominee, is set to be chosen as the new Leader of the House. This comes after the resignation of outgoing CM Ali Amin Gandapur, which has been officially received and acknowledged by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Raja said Gandapur’s resignation falls under Article 130, Clause 8 of the Constitution. He clarified that the governor’s approval is not required for it to take effect. “The chief minister is not subordinate to the governor in such matters,” he explained. Raja emphasized that this transition is a routine part of democratic and parliamentary processes.
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Raja praised Sohail Afridi, calling him a determined and capable young leader. He noted that Afridi will be the first chief minister from the tribal areas. “Under his leadership, the province will move forward with new energy and commitment,” he said, expressing confidence in the incoming administration’s ability to deliver progress and reforms.
He further stated that Afridi’s cabinet will include fresh faces, promising a new direction for the provincial government. Raja added that administering the oath to the new CM is the constitutional responsibility of the governor. He urged political maturity and continuity in the transition process.
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In closing, Raja hoped for an end to bloodshed and violence in the province. “We have no sympathy for terrorists,” he said firmly. The party aims to usher in a peaceful, secure, and development-oriented era for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Sohail Afridi’s leadership.