ISLAMABAD: The nomination of Sohail Afridi as a potential chief minister has intensified the political atmosphere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dividing opinion between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition.
Speaking on ABN’s program “Sawaal Se Aaje” with host Alina Shigri, PTI leader Irfan Saleem hailed Afridi as a “young and dynamic leader” aligned with the vision of the party’s founder.
He argued that Afridi’s performance as Minister for Communications and Works (C&W) proves his ability to govern and meet challenges.
“Sohail Afridi has emerged as a talented leader who enjoys the confidence of the top leadership and parliamentarians,” Saleem said, adding that PTI remains committed to empowering youth, who constitute 65 percent of Pakistan’s population.
Highlighting the province’s ongoing security concerns, Saleem stressed the need for “determined leadership” capable of improving ties with the federation.
He further warned that if the public mandate of the KP Assembly is not recognized, PTI would be forced to take tough decisions.
However, Opposition Leader in the KP Assembly Dr. Ibadullah Khan voiced serious reservations over Afridi’s nomination.
While dismissing terrorism-related allegations against him, Ibadullah questioned Afridi’s limited experience and young age in dealing with the province’s worsening security and governance crisis.
“People avoid leaving their homes after dusk; the situation is very bad. We need an experienced and serious leadership,” he said, adding that even within PTI, some believe an experienced candidate would have been a wiser choice.
