Who is Sohail Afridi, KP’s next Chief Minister?

KP – CM – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Muhammad Sohail Afridi, a provincial minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), said he has not received any official notice or communication from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership about his nomination as chief minister.

Afridi added that he only came to know about the reports through the media and has no confirmation from the party.

He stated that the province is progressing well under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s leadership, calling the claims of a change in government false and baseless.

Sohail Afridi belongs to the Shalobar tribe in the Khyber district and comes from a middle-class family. He began his political journey as a student through the Insaf Student Federation (ISF), where he served as provincial president, and later grew into an active voice within PTI.

Afridi entered mainstream politics in February 2024 after winning his first seat in the KP Assembly from constituency PK-70 (Khyber-II) as an independent candidate.

Soon after, he joined PTI and was appointed special assistant to the chief minister for communications and works (C&W). Later, he was promoted to provincial minister, taking charge of the Higher Education Department.

Recognized as one of PTI’s younger and reform-focused leaders, Afridi has earned respect for his strong ties with his constituency and performance in the cabinet.

His close relationship with PTI founder Imran Khan has also strengthened his standing within the party.

Even with rising speculation about his elevation to chief minister, Afridi remains careful and loyal, stressing that his focus is to serve in his current role. He praised Ali Amin Gandapur’s leadership, saying the government is on the right track and committed to the stability and progress of the province.

In a major turn of events, PTI has now confirmed that Ali Amin Gandapur will be removed as chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The decision came after months of disputes within party leadership, particularly between Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and Gandapur.

CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur Announces Resignation

Confirming the change, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja stated, “Yes, Ali Amin Gandapur is being removed. Sohail Afridi has been nominated as the new chief minister following the decision of PTI’s founder.”