Afridi Says He Was Not Officially Informed
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Muhammad Sohail Afridi has responded to reports suggesting he has been nominated as the next Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying he learned about the development through the media.
In a brief statement on Tuesday, Afridi said that no formal consultation or notification had been made by the party’s leadership so far. “I have not been officially informed by the party about any such decision,” he clarified. “Ali Amin Gandapur continues to serve as the Chief Minister, and under his leadership, the province is progressing in the right direction.”
His comments come amid growing speculation about a leadership change in the province, following reports that the PTI’s top leadership has decided to replace Gandapur — a development detailed in Ali Amin Gandapur Resigns as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister; Sohail Afridi Nominated as Successor.
Sources Indicate Leadership Shake-Up Imminent
According to party insiders, the PTI leadership has reportedly decided to remove Ali Amin Gandapur from his position. The decision, they say, stems from deepening internal divisions within the party and persistent political tensions between Gandapur and senior PTI figure Aleema Khan.
Multiple reports suggest that this long-running power struggle has now reached its conclusion, with Sohail Afridi emerging as the frontrunner to replace Gandapur. Sources indicate that the new chief minister is expected to come from the tribal districts, a move intended to broaden the party’s regional representation and restore internal balance.
Afridi, a member of the provincial assembly from Khyber District’s PK-70 constituency, is seen within PTI as a moderate and consensus-oriented figure. His background as a former provincial president of the Insaf Students Federation and his service as a minister for higher education have made him a familiar name among younger party members.
Longstanding Rift Between Party Figures
Reports of friction between Gandapur and Aleema Khan have circulated for months, with both sides reportedly accusing each other of undermining the party’s unity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While neither leader has publicly addressed the issue, political observers believe their rift has weakened PTI’s internal cohesion in the province.
The latest developments suggest that this dispute may have finally pushed the leadership to consider a transition. However, the party has not issued any official statement confirming either Gandapur’s resignation or Afridi’s nomination.
Situation Remains Unclear
Despite the mounting reports, Sohail Afridi’s statement indicates that the decision-making process within PTI is still underway. His denial of any formal communication highlights a growing disconnect between party headquarters and its provincial leaders.
Analysts note that PTI has been facing increased organizational strain since its removal from federal power in 2022, with its provincial governments becoming key centers of influence. Any abrupt leadership change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — the party’s stronghold — could carry significant political implications.
Waiting for Official Word
At present, the situation remains fluid. Neither PTI’s central leadership nor its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter has officially confirmed a change in the provincial government. Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the reported reshuffle is part of a planned strategic shift or merely the result of internal rivalries.
For now, Sohail Afridi maintains that Ali Amin Gandapur remains the legitimate Chief Minister. His restrained response reflects an effort to avoid open confrontation while the party leadership finalizes its decision.
As speculation continues, PTI’s handling of the transition will be closely watched — both for signs of internal stability and for its impact on the province’s governance at a time of mounting political and security challenges.
