Cheers and chants as Sohail Afridi takes K-P helm | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Muhammad Sohail Afridi was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa following a PHC order.
- The oath-taking ceremony was chaotic due to the presence of numerous PTI workers celebrating Imran Khan, whose slogans dominated the event.
- The PHC compelled Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to administer the oath after days of political wrangling.
- PTI leaders expressed hope that the new CM would work for provincial welfare and secure the release of jailed party members.
- Afridi's election proceeded despite disputes over the previous CM's resignation and opposition boycotts.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa welcomed its new Chief Minister, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, on Wednesday after days of political tension and a directive from the Peshawar High Court (PHC). The PHC declared Afridi's election lawful and compelled Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to administer the oath by 4 pm, warning that the assembly speaker would intervene otherwise. The oath-taking ceremony at the Governor House was marked by intense emotion and disorder as large crowds of PTI workers occupied the venue, chanting slogans for the imprisoned Imran Khan and holding his portrait aloft. Despite repeated pleas from organizers, the uproar continued, even during the national anthem, showcasing the deep influence of the jailed party founder. Following the ceremony, PTI leaders like Asad Qaiser congratulated Afridi while urging him to focus on provincial issues and the release of incarcerated leaders like Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. Afridi's ascension followed a dispute over the previous Chief Minister Gandapur's resignation, which the Governor's office had initially rejected, leading PTI to proceed with Afridi's election and seek judicial relief.
