Muhammad Sohail Afridi has been named the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur [3].
This leadership transition occurs amid internal friction within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The shift in power is critical as the party seeks to maintain stability and numerical strength in the provincial assembly while facing internal dissent.
Ali Amin Gandapur said he would step down following a directive from PTI founder Imran Khan to replace him with Afridi [3]. The move follows a period of uncertainty in May 2026, during which rumors circulated regarding Afridi's potential removal from leadership roles [1, 2].
On May 1, 2026, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addressed these rumors [2]. "Sohail Afridi will remain the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," Gohar said [2]. This statement was intended to quell reports of party instability and signal a unified front behind Afridi's leadership [2].
To further demonstrate his standing within the party, Afridi held a parliamentary party meeting where more than 52 members attended [1]. This attendance was cited as evidence of Afridi's numerical strength despite reports of internal disagreement [1].
The political maneuvering took place against a backdrop of broader party activities, including a PTI gathering at Lal Chowk in Muzaffarabad [1]. Party officials said the appointment was a necessary step to ensure the government remains functional and aligned with the directives of the party founder [2, 3].
“"Sohail Afridi will remain the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."”
The appointment of Sohail Afridi signifies a direct exercise of authority by PTI founder Imran Khan over the provincial government. By replacing Gandapur and publicly affirming Afridi's majority, the party is attempting to neutralize internal dissent and consolidate power before upcoming political protests and legislative sessions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
