PTI reaffirms support for Sohail Afridi as ‘KP chief minister’

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Sohail Afridi, the deposed chief minister rendered non-functional following the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ruling out any move within the party to consider an alternative candidate and reiterating that only Imran Khan could decide on his replacement.

In a notification issued by the party’s central secretariat, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that Afridi retained the confidence of party founder Imran Khan and would continue in office.

Gohar said Afridi will remain PTI’s ‘chief minister’ in view of the prevailing circumstances in the province and that the decision had the backing of Imran Khan.

The notification directed all party members, office-bearers, parliamentarians and functionaries not to convene or participate in meetings, introduce proposals or engage in discussions concerning the nomination or replacement of the chief minister.

It said only Imran Khan had the authority to nominate an alternative candidate or change the decision, adding that his instructions on the matter were final and binding on all party members.

In a statement posted on X, Gohar said PTI’s provincial lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had remained loyal to Imran Khan, stood firm and followed his decisions.

He said the notification was issued to address speculation on social media and television channels about the chief minister’s position and to reassure party workers and supporters.

“Decisions in our party are made only in accordance with Imran Khan’s instructions, and his directions and decisions will remain final and paramount,” Gohar said.

The statement comes amid speculation about Afridi’s position as chief minister. The party’s latest notification seeks to make clear that any decision about his continuation or replacement rests with Imran Khan.