PHC Reserves Verdict on Petition Regarding Swearing-in of New KP Chief Minister

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has reserved its verdict on a petition seeking the swearing-in of the newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice heard the case, during which the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently on an official visit and is expected to return by 2 PM tomorrow.

The Chief Justice inquired about the Governor’s stance on the oath-taking process. The Additional Attorney General responded that the Governor has summoned Ali Amin Gandapur for approval of his resignation.

The court asked whether the Governor has expressed willingness to administer the oath. The Additional Attorney General replied, “Let the Governor return; he will decide. The Governor has appointed Advocate Amir Javed to present arguments on his behalf.”

Advocate Amir Javed told the court, “Let’s wait for the Governor. Once he arrives tomorrow, the matter will be resolved. Until then, the outgoing Chief Minister can continue running the affairs of the office.”

To this, the Chief Justice remarked, “That only applies if no election had taken place. In this case, elections have been held and other parties have also submitted nomination papers for the Chief Minister’s position.”

Amir Javed stated that the Governor may accept the resignation and administer the oath upon his return. “The government has access to a jet; if there’s urgency, they can send it to bring him tonight.” The court asked, “Does the Governor travel on public flights?” to which Amir Javed confirmed that the Governor indeed uses public flights.

Read more: CM Sohail Afridi Says, No Military operation will be carried out in KP

Following the arguments, the court reserved its judgment.

Separately, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) has challenged the election of the new Chief Minister. Provincial Assembly member Lutfur Rehman has filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court, arguing that Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation has not been accepted, and a second Chief Minister has been elected unlawfully.

The petition states that the election of Sohail Afridi as Chief Minister is unconstitutional and illegal, and it should be declared null and void.

It is noteworthy that PTI’s Sohail Afridi was elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yesterday with the support of 90 members. However, the Governor has not yet accepted Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation and reportedly returned it with objections.