Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Sohail Afridi for being elected as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking the first official contact between the federal government and the newly formed PTI-led provincial setup.
The development comes amid tense political relations between the federation and the province. PTI loyalist Sohail Afridi warned of “confrontational” politics after being elected to top post, signaling that his government will continue to push PTI’s agenda within constitutional and legal bounds.
During a telephonic conversation, PM Shehbaz expressed readiness to work with the KP government for Pakistan’s national interests. CM Afridi thanked the premier for his message of goodwill but also raised the issue of being denied permission to meet the PTI founder at Adiala Jail. Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, Afridi revealed that letters had been sent to the federal and Punjab governments seeking approval for the meeting, yet no response had been received so far.
Afridi said that the prime minister assured him the matter would be reviewed. The new KP CM reiterated his commitment to lawful and peaceful politics, rejecting accusations that PTI only resorted to agitation. He stated that when justice is denied, peaceful protest becomes a constitutional right and that PTI would continue to act within legal frameworks.
The young chief minister further remarked that he would personally form an advisory council if necessary, insisting that Pakistan always comes first, echoing the vision of Quaid-e-Azam. Afridi also said he had already initiated steps for the release of the PTI founder and planned to consult him on cabinet formation and key governance matters.
Belonging to Bara tehsil of Khyber district, Sohail Afridi is one of PTI’s most grassroots-oriented leaders. Before taking oath as CM, he served as the provincial minister for higher education and has been a dedicated PTI member since his student life.
In his first address at the KP Assembly, Afridi described himself as “a champion of confrontational politics,” vowing to continue his predecessor Ali Amin Gandapur’s mission with renewed determination. He also warned that if the PTI founder was transferred from Adiala Jail without party consultation, PTI would bring the entire country to a standstill in protest.
The chief minister also urged the federal government to review its Afghan policy, a statement that drew sharp criticism from Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah. Speaking on Geo News, Sanaullah said Afridi’s remarks were unconstitutional and signaled defiance against the federation. He cautioned that while provinces enjoy autonomy after the 18th Amendment, they cannot challenge the authority of the federal government.
Rana Sanaullah further commented that if Afridi continues on this confrontational path, it may be difficult for him to function within constitutional boundaries. He also advised PTI to act like a political party rather than a pressure group if it seeks political legitimacy and engagement from state institutions.
