A major political shift appears imminent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where, according to reliable sources, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalized plans to replace Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur with a new face — Sohail Afridi, a rising party figure from District Khyber.
Who is Sohail Afridi?
Party insiders suggest that Sohail Afridi has emerged as the strongest contender for the top provincial slot. Afridi, known for his organizational skills and energetic leadership, is among PTI’s long-serving members who began their political journey with the Insaf Students Federation (ISF).
He previously served as the ISF’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president and played a key role in mobilizing youth within the party ranks.
Afridi entered the KP Assembly for the first time in the 2024 general elections, winning from PK-70 (District Khyber).
His solid organizational background and close coordination with the provincial administration soon earned him a place in Chief Minister Gandapur’s team. Initially appointed as Special Assistant for Communication and Works (C&W), Afridi received praise for overseeing development projects with transparency and efficiency.
Later, he was elevated to Minister for Higher Education, where he introduced administrative reforms in provincial universities.
According to sources, PTI’s top leadership is considering the leadership change to inject “new energy” and “organizational stability” into the province’s governance. Afridi is viewed within party circles as a non-controversial, dynamic, and youth-oriented leader, aligning with PTI’s renewed strategic direction.
If the decision is finalized, Sohail Afridi will become one of the youngest Chief Ministers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s history. Analysts describe the potential move as a sign of Imran Khan’s continued trust in young leadership and a reflection of the party’s internal transition toward a new generation of policymakers.
