Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Sohail Afridi won the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister election with 90 votes in a 145-member assembly, needing 73 for a majority. The Peshawar session, under tight security, followed former CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation on October 8 at PTI founder Imran Khan’s directive.
Afridi, PTI’s MPA from PK-59 Kohat-II, outperformed rivals: JUI-F’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman, PML-N’s Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, and PPP’s Arbab Zarak Khan. PTI lawmaker Asif Mehsud’s absence abroad did not hinder the win. Assembly members congratulated Afridi, embracing him on the floor.
نہیں مروں گا، اب کسی جنگ میں یہ سوچ لیا
میں اب کی بار عشق عمران میں مارا جاؤں گا pic.twitter.com/6d28dtjUB3
— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 13, 2025Opposition parties debated whether to support a joint candidate or boycott, arguing that Gandapur’s resignation required the governor’s acceptance. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi rejected it due to signature inconsistencies, summoning Gandapur for October 15. However, the assembly proceeded, with Speaker Babar Saleem Swati presiding after meeting Opposition Leader Dr. Ibadullah. PTI’s majority ensured Afridi’s victory, despite legal risks.
نہیں مروں گا، اب کسی جنگ میں یہ سوچ لیا
میں اب کی بار عشق عمران میں مارا جاؤں گا pic.twitter.com/6d28dtjUB3
— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 13, 2025Afridi’s election reinforces PTI’s dominance in KP, a key power base. As Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Works, he brings infrastructure expertise to tackle security and economic issues. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja hailed the “smooth transition,” dismissing rift rumours.
خیبرپختونخوا عمران خان کا ہے اور خیبرپختونخوا میں صرف عمران خان کی ہی چلے گی۔ سہیل آفریدی
pic.twitter.com/z1CEVrMylj
— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 13, 2025The election, amid resignation controversies, tests KP’s governance stability. Afridi’s leadership could address militancy and development challenges.
Read: Governor Rejects Gandapur’s Resignation, KP Chief Minister Election Faces Legal Risks
