Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday issued a strong warning against any unconstitutional move in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and reaffirmed its full support for Sohail Afridi, nominated by PTI founder Imran Khan for the position of Chief Minister of KP.
Addressing a joint press conference in Peshawar, PTI leaders — Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, and PTI-KP President Junaid Akbar — called for upholding democratic norms and respecting the province’s mandate.
Salman Akram Raja categorically rejected allegations that PTI is a facilitator of terrorism, calling such accusations “baseless and damaging to national unity.”
“Calling PTI leaders and workers traitors is incomprehensible and harmful to the country. The recent emotional press conference raised serious concerns, and we believe PTI and the KP government must be included in all significant decisions, especially those related to security and governance,” he said.
Raja also warned against any move to impose Governor’s Rule or bypass the constitutional process, saying such steps would have “serious and negative consequences.”
Regarding Sohail Afridi’s nomination, Raja emphasized that there are no legal or procedural obstacles to his election as Leader of the House. “It is the party’s democratic right to trust and nominate any member for the Chief Minister position,” he added.
PTI KP President Junaid Akbar said Sohail Afridi’s nomination marks the first time a candidate from FATA has been chosen for the chief minister’s slot — a historic decision that must be respected.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct Sohail Afridi would deepen the sense of deprivation in FATA. “The mandate of the province belongs to PTI. Interfering in this democratic process will only fuel alienation,” he said.
Junaid Akbar also highlighted that Sohail Afridi is a well-educated and capable young leader, fully backed by the party’s leadership.
Senior PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also called for inclusive dialogue to address the issue of terrorism in the province.
“We must come together to find a solution to the terrorism— and the first step should be meaningful negotiations,” Qaiser said. “Peace is our priority, and we will work with all political parties to achieve stability.”
Qaiser also criticized the federal government for failing to release KP’s rightful share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, as well as the lack of transparency in development spending in merged tribal areas. “Where is the Rs1 billion allocated for FATA’s development? Has it been spent?” he asked.
“If anyone believes they can snatch our mandate and form a government, they will not be able to run it. The people’s will must be respected,” he added.