Political tensions in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have intensified after Senator Faisal Vawda suggested that Chief Minister Sohaib Afridi could face disqualification in the near future. His remarks created a new wave of debate at a time when the province already struggles with instability.
Vawda Predicts Swift Action Against Afridi
Senator Vawda said recent developments point toward a major change in KP’s leadership. He argued that events now move in a direction that may harm the chief minister. He did not share specific details, yet he expressed confidence in his prediction.
Pakistan has seen several political leaders lose office through court rulings or legislative actions. Because of this history, comments like Vawda’s often spark strong reactions. Many observers believe the country’s tense climate allows even small statements to gain momentum.
Vawda also warned senior PTI figures living abroad. He said they will soon understand the consequences of their speeches and political strategies. His comments hinted at further legal or administrative moves from federal authorities.
Senator Warns of Possible Governor’s Rule
In a sharp critique of PTI, Vawda accused the party of polluting the political space. He claimed that continuous disruptions could force the federal government to consider Governor’s Rule in KP. To understand how Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has previously responded to similar federal warnings, see KP CM Sohail Afridi defies federal government over Governor’s Rule.
Governor’s Rule shifts administrative power from the provincial government to the governor. The federal government gains direct control in such situations. Pakistan rarely uses this option because it sidelines elected officials and often triggers national controversy.
Vawda said officials have already prepared related documents. He did not describe their contents, but his statement suggested ongoing discussions within the federal establishment.
Internal PTI Decisions Under New Scrutiny
While commenting on PTI founder Imran Khan, Vawda said the party’s leaders created the crisis that now surrounds him. According to him, PTI’s internal choices brought Khan to this difficult stage. He argued that several senior members acted without proper judgment.
PTI has struggled with internal division since 2022. Many leaders left the party after the May 2023 unrest. Others distanced themselves to avoid legal pressure. These fractures weakened PTI’s provincial and national influence, especially in KP, where the party dominated for more than a decade.
Disagreement Over Meeting Between Afridi and Imran Khan
Vawda also claimed that Chief Minister Afridi would not meet Imran Khan on Tuesday. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja challenged this statement during the same television programme.
Raja said blocking the meeting would violate constitutional requirements. He argued that a chief minister must communicate with his party leader, especially when major decisions arise. Raja described a possible restriction as regrettable, even though he believed it would not surprise him.
PTI leaders often complain about limited access to Imran Khan. They argue that such restrictions weaken democratic decision-making. Authorities, however, cite security and administrative rules to justify tight controls.
KP’s Political Climate Grows More Unstable
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa borders Afghanistan and faces long-running security challenges. Stable governance remains vital for operations against militant groups and for economic activity. Any move against Sohaib Afridi could disrupt administration during a sensitive period.
Political observers say that KP’s turmoil could influence national politics. PTI still commands strong support in the province. A confrontation between federal authorities and the provincial government may widen Pakistan’s political divide.
For now, no official process seeks Afridi’s removal. Still, Vawda’s claims deepened uncertainty. PTI leaders fear new restrictions, while government critics expect more political drama in the coming days.
The situation continues to evolve, and both sides prepare for possible legal and political battles.
