Sohail Afridi Rejects Leadership Change, Reaffirms Loyalty to Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI: (Web Desk) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday asserted that only PTI founder Imran Khan has the authority to remove him from office, dismissing speculation about a change in the provincial leadership.

Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail, Afridi said he would continue serving as chief minister until directed otherwise by Imran Khan. He stressed that the PTI founder personally nominated him for the position and that no external force could unseat him.

“The founder of PTI appointed me as chief minister, and only he can decide my future,” Afridi said, adding that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government remained firmly aligned with the party leadership.

He maintained that PTI lawmakers in the province were united and used the occasion to criticise the federal government’s economic management ahead of the upcoming budget. Afridi claimed that rising debt, lower-than-expected tax revenues and a widening trade deficit were putting increasing pressure on the economy.

According to him, industrial investment was moving abroad while farmers continued to face serious challenges. He warned that the burden of the federal budget would ultimately be borne by ordinary citizens and urged media professionals to focus on economic issues in the coming weeks.

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi Hold Meeting Inside Adiala Jail

The chief minister said the provincial cabinet had approved a balanced budget and was preparing a people-centric financial plan. He noted that health, education, youth development, agriculture and forestry would remain key priorities, while additional initiatives were being designed for minority communities.

Commenting on Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Afridi alleged that the former prime minister was being held in isolation. He said PTI leaders had visited Adiala Jail to demand that Khan be shifted to Al-Shifa International Hospital and allowed medical treatment in the presence of his family and personal physician.

Questioning the restrictions on family meetings, Afridi asked why relatives were not being granted access if authorities believed Khan was receiving adequate medical care.

He also alleged that PTI supporters and party leaders had previously been stopped on Kashmir Highway and subjected to lengthy delays while attempting to meet the former premier.

During the media interaction, Aleema Khan interrupted Afridi’s remarks on the provincial budget and questioned why the government was moving ahead with its approval without consulting Imran Khan.

She reminded party leaders that Khan had previously instructed them to discuss budget matters with him and urged them to secure a meeting with the PTI founder before finalising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget.