PESHAWAR — Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Junaid Akbar has made it clear that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will remain at the helm of the provincial government for as long as party founder Imran Khan wishes.
Addressing a high-profile press conference alongside the chief minister in Peshawar, Akbar dismissed swirling speculations and political rumors regarding an imminent change in the provincial setup. He underscored that Sohail Afridi's mandate derives directly from the absolute trust placed in him by the jailed former prime minister, rendering external pressures or opposition maneuvers ineffective.
Akbar emphasized that the PTI leadership and its parliamentary party stand completely united behind the chief minister. He noted that Afridi was chosen specifically due to his ideological background and grassroots connection to the party's youth wing, the Insaf Students Federation (ISF). According to Akbar, attempts by political opponents to destabilize the provincial administration or create rifts within the party ranks will fail because the ultimate authority to retain or replace leadership rests solely with Imran Khan.
The reaffirmation comes at a crucial political juncture as the provincial government navigates intense legislative pressures, security challenges, and evolving federal-provincial friction. Political analysts view Akbar’s statement as a strategic move to project internal solidarity and quell ongoing media speculation about potential changes in the KP cabinet.
During the joint media interaction, CM Sohail Afridi also addressed pressing administrative matters, reaffirming his administration's focus on public welfare, institutional reform, and regional stability. He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the PTI founder, stating that every tier of the provincial government remains dedicated to executing the party's vision and safeguarding public rights.
As the provincial administration continues to address governance priorities and coordinate upcoming political strategies, PTI leaders made it clear that organizational discipline remains intact, with the chief minister enjoying the full and unreserved backing of the party base.
