Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has dismissed speculation about a change in the provincial government, saying he will remain in office until PTI founder Imran Khan personally directs otherwise. His remarks come as reports of internal divisions within the party continue to dominate political discussions in the province.
Afridi Rejects Speculation Over Leadership Change
RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said he will continue serving as chief minister until PTI founder Imran Khan issues new instructions regarding the position.
According to Beyond Time News, Afridi made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Rawalpindi amid growing reports of internal disagreements within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He recalled that Imran Khan had previously expressed confidence in his leadership.
“The PTI founder said that if Sohail Afridi is chief minister, no power in the world can remove him,” Afridi stated.
He added that he would continue performing his duties unless he received a different message from the party founder.
Reports of Forward Bloc Dismissed
Afridi strongly rejected reports suggesting the emergence of a forward bloc within PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter.
Instead, he described such claims as political propaganda designed to create uncertainty within the party.
However, reports indicate that internal tensions have intensified in recent weeks. Several lawmakers reportedly skipped a parliamentary meeting convened by the chief minister. Political observers viewed the absence as a sign of growing dissatisfaction among some party members.
Meanwhile, speculation continues regarding possible contenders for the province’s top political office.
PTI Faces Internal Challenges
According to political sources, several senior PTI figures have increased efforts to strengthen their influence within the party.
As a result, discussions about leadership and future political strategy have gained momentum across the province.
Despite these reports, Afridi insisted that the provincial government remains stable and fully functional.
He also maintained that only the party founder has the authority to decide who should lead the provincial administration.
Afridi Calls for Medical Treatment for Imran Khan
During the media interaction, the chief minister also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health.
He urged authorities to transfer the former prime minister to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.
“Our only demand is that he be shifted to Shifa International,” Afridi said.
Furthermore, he called on authorities to allow family members to meet the PTI founder if restrictions remain in place for others.
Government Preparing ‘People-Friendly’ Budget
Turning to financial matters, Afridi said the provincial cabinet had already approved budget documents for the upcoming fiscal year.
He promised that the government would present a budget focused on public welfare and development.
According to the chief minister, the administration will prioritize health, education, agriculture, youth development, and environmental protection.
He also clarified that the government had not prepared a surplus budget and instead focused on sectors that directly affect citizens.
PTI Forms Committee to Ease Internal Differences
As political tensions continue, PTI has formed a six-member committee to improve coordination within the party.
According to Beyond Time News, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser will head the committee.
The panel also includes KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and Provincial General Secretary Ali Asghar Khan, among other senior figures.
Party leaders have tasked the committee with strengthening communication between lawmakers, the parliamentary party, and the provincial government.
Read more:Over 4,400 billion KP funds payable by federation: Sohail Afridi
Committee Aims to Restore Unity
The newly formed body will work to resolve misunderstandings and improve cooperation among different groups within PTI.
Party officials hope the initiative will help reduce tensions and strengthen organizational unity ahead of key political developments.
Political analysts believe the committee’s effectiveness could play an important role in determining the party’s future direction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Budget and Party Stability
While reports of internal disagreements continue to circulate, PTI leaders insist that the party remains united.
At the same time, attention is shifting toward the upcoming federal and provincial budgets, which are expected to dominate political debate in the coming weeks.
For now, Afridi remains firm in his position, emphasizing that any decision regarding the chief ministership rests solely with PTI founder Imran Khan.
FAQs
What did Sohail Afridi say about his position as chief minister?
He said he will remain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister until Imran Khan issues new instructions.
Did Afridi acknowledge reports of a forward bloc within PTI?
No. He rejected the reports and described them as propaganda.
What did Afridi say about Imran Khan’s health?
He urged authorities to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment.
What are the main priorities of the upcoming KP budget?
The government plans to focus on health, education, agriculture, youth development, and forests.
Why did PTI form a six-member committee?
The party formed the committee to improve coordination, reduce internal tensions, and strengthen unity within its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter.
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