KP CM Afridi Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Reports of Imran Khan’s Disapproval
At a glance
- Reports claim Imran Khan wanted CM Sohail Afridi to step down months ago.
- Afridi is facing criticism over his performance and frequent absences from KP.
- Calls are growing to increase the salaries of the KP police force.
Story so far
Pressure has been building on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi amid criticism from within his own party over his performance and frequent absences. Despite a statement of support from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, speculation about his potential replacement has been rife. In an effort to manage internal divisions, Afridi met with senior party leader Ali Amin Gandapur, a move some critics dismissed as too late. The PML-N has also publicly criticised Afridi, stating the province does not need a “part-time chief minister.”
Latest development
Reports have emerged claiming that PTI founder Imran Khan told his lawyer months ago that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi should step down, stating he was “not doing anything.”
Latest updates
Fresh reports claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi months ago, allegedly telling his lawyer that the chief minister should step down for “not doing anything.”
The claim surfaces as Mr. Afridi faces public criticism over his performance, including his frequent absences from the province and the comparatively low salaries of the KP police force. Critics have urged the provincial government to increase police pay to match other provinces and to establish a dedicated fund for the families of martyred officers.
Pressure has intensified on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, with reports suggesting he may be replaced before October 4 amid dissatisfaction from within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including, according to some reports, from the party's founder.
PML-N leader Ikhtiar Wali Khan publicly criticised the chief minister, stating that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa "does not need a part-time chief minister" and that Mr. Afridi's recent reconciliation meeting with Ali Amin Gandapur was too late to be effective.
The developments come as speculation grows that several alternative names for the chief minister's post are already under consideration within the party.
Further reports indicate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is facing criticism from some party lawmakers over his performance and frequent absences from the province amid a deteriorating security situation. The federal government has also accused the KP government of facilitating terrorism.
In response, CM Afridi held a press conference at Ali Amin Gandapur's residence where he condemned a recent terrorist attack in Dera Ismail Khan. The developments come as the PTI reportedly plans a long march for October 4, with CM Afridi tasked with leading the arrangements.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has dismissed reports suggesting that the party's founder sent a message to remove Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. In a statement, Gohar strongly refuted the claims, calling the circulation of such news at this time inappropriate. He affirmed that CM Afridi enjoys the full confidence of the party founder and that the PTI will continue to fully support the provincial government.
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