Sohail Afridi will not be KP CM after 24 hours, claims KP PML-N leader

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Additional Secretary Information in in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Arbab Khizar Hayat on Thursday claimed that a “major change” was expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within the next 24 hours, saying Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would no longer remain in office.

“The preparations from the federal government’s side have been completed,” Hayat said while addressing a press conference in Peshawar.

His remarks came amid heightened tensions between the federal and PTI-led provincial governments over law and order in the province and the PTI’s planned October 4 long march on Islamabad.

The federal government has recently warned that governor’s rule or an emergency could be imposed in KP, while the provincial government has rejected the possibility and vowed to proceed with the planned march.

Earlier on Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the federal government was “seriously considering” imposing an emergency in the province.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi earlier warned the provincial government against creating a situation that could lead to extraordinary constitutional measures, while federal ministers have cited security concerns and alleged lack of cooperation from the provincial government.

Sohai Afridi has rejected the warnings and said the October 4 march would go ahead, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has urged the federal government not to impose governor’s rule or emergency in the province.

PML-N questions PTI government’s performance

Hayat questioned what the people of KP had gained during the PTI’s two-and-a-half-year tenure this time around, saying the province continued to face serious security and governance challenges.

He said that the deteriorating security situation and loss of life in terrorist attacks were alarming.

According to Hayat, 44 suicide attacks were reported in the province during the past two-and-a-half years, including 15 in 2024, 18 in 2025 and 11 up to September this year.

He said police came under 536 attacks during the period, while security personnel had made sacrifices in the line of duty. He claimed that the police had successfully foiled 324 terrorist attacks.

PML-N raises questions over KP accounts

Hayat also cited the Auditor General of Pakistan’s report, claiming that it had identified financial irregularities amounting to Rs551 billion in KP government accounts.

He said the provincial government should give the public a complete explanation regarding its financial affairs.

“The government should tell the people how much money has been recovered and what action has been taken against those responsible,” he said.

Hayat said the province’s problems were not limited to terrorism, but also included challenges relating to health, education, employment and basic public services.

He called on the provincial government to present a comprehensive performance report before the public.

He also sought details of progress on the Rs100 billion plan for Peshawar, saying the people should be informed about its implementation.

“Accountability of the government is not a political slogan; it is a demand of the people,” he said.

PML-N leader dismisses October 4 march

Hayat also claimed that the PTI would not be able to reach Islamabad despite its October 4 long march call.

The PTI had originally announced the march for September 27 before rescheduling it for October 4.

The march was planned from Peshawar to Islamabad as a political demonstration in support of the party’s objectives.

Hayat further said that the “political future” of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had ended.