The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Secretariat approved nomination papers for four candidates vying for the chief minister position: PTI’s Sohail Afridi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, and Pakistan People’s Party’s Arbab Zarak Khan. The election, set for October 13 at 10 a.m., follows Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation on October 8.
Gandapur, a prominent PTI leader, stepped down at the direction of party founder Imran Khan, who nominated Afridi. “It is my honour to tender my resignation,” Gandapur posted on X. Federal Minister Amir Muqam noted the governor received the resignation and will process it legally, dismissing the governor’s rule talks. He criticised PTI, suggesting they fear defections, saying, “If they’ve confined MPAs, there’s some concern.”
Four candidates have submitted their nomination papers for election of Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa@pakpgov #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/INQFsJ2nSi
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 12, 2025JUI-F’s Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman confirmed opposition parties will field a joint candidate, calling it a “constitutional right.” Consultations continue to select a consensus nominee, aiming to challenge PTI’s dominance in KP.
Read: Who is Sohail Afridi? PTI’s New KP CM After Ali Amin Gandapur Steps Down
The CM election tests PTI’s grip on KP amid internal rifts and opposition unity. Afridi’s leadership could shape the province’s response to security and economic challenges.
