The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday elected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of the province, in a session marked by controversy and a walkout by opposition lawmakers. 

The election was chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, who dismissed the opposition’s objections and declared the voting process constitutional.

Election Process and Results

During the session, Speaker Swati announced that out of the 145-member House, Sohail Afridi secured 90 votes, all from PTI lawmakers, while the opposition members boycotted the proceedings and did not cast any votes.

Four candidates were in the running for the chief ministership:

  • Sohail Afridi (PTI) 
  • Sardar Shah Jehan (PML-N)
  • Arbab Zarak (PPP)
  • Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI-F)

Afridi’s victory was widely expected given PTI’s majority in the provincial assembly.

Speaker’s Ruling on Legality

Addressing the opposition’s objections, Speaker Swati ruled that the election was held in accordance with the Constitution and parliamentary rules. He clarified that former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had submitted his resignation to the Governor twice and had also confirmed it on the floor of the House.

“It is my constitutional responsibility to conduct the election of a new Leader of the House. The Constitution is not subject to individual wishes. The process has been entirely lawful,” the Speaker said.

Ali Amin Gandapur’s Remarks

In his address to the assembly, outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur extended his congratulations to Sohail Afridi and reiterated that he had resigned on October 8, in line with democratic norms.

“I resigned respecting democratic traditions. Let’s not make it a joke,” he said.

Gandapur claimed that the province was handed over to his government with an empty treasury, but now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has Rs. 280 billion in funds. He also emphasized the fair allocation of development funds during his tenure and called for a unified political approach to tackling terrorism in the region.

Opposition’s Stance

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah declared the election process unconstitutional, stating that until the formal approval of Gandapur’s resignation, the election of a new Chief Minister was premature and in violation of the Constitution.

“We cannot be part of an unconstitutional process. PTI is making the procedure controversial themselves,” he remarked before leading the opposition out of the assembly.

Historic First for Sohaib Afridi

With his election, Sohail Afridi becomes the first Chief Minister from the merged tribal districts (formerly FATA). He is also the 30th Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the fourth from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, following Pervez Khattak, Mahmood Khan, and Ali Amin Gandapur.

PTI lawmakers congratulated Afridi on his election, which further consolidates the party’s hold over the province.