Sohail Afridi to Remain KP Chief Minister as PTI Leadership Disputes Removal Reports

ISLAMABAD, — September 29, 2026 — PTI leader Junaid Akbar has said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will remain in office as long as PTI founder Imran Khan wants him to, contradicting recent reports that the provincial chief minister could face removal. (Dunya News)

Junaid Akbar's statement comes amid growing political discussion within PTI over the future of the KP government. His remarks indicate that the party's position remains tied closely to Imran Khan's direction regarding the chief ministership. (Dunya News)

Afridi has also maintained a confrontational stance toward criticism from the federal government, particularly over the provincial government's approach to counterterrorism and security matters. His recent statements have added to tensions between the KP administration and Islamabad. (Dawn)

The dispute comes as PTI prepares for its planned October 4 mobilisation in Islamabad. The party had postponed its earlier September 27 march, but authorities have continued security preparations in the capital.

Containers remain positioned at several locations, while restrictions have affected important routes into and around Islamabad. Authorities have cited security concerns, while PTI has maintained that its planned mobilisation is peaceful. (AP)

The conflicting statements over Afridi's position come at a politically sensitive time for PTI, with the party simultaneously preparing for the Islamabad mobilisation and dealing with disagreements over the direction of the KP government.

For now, Junaid Akbar's statement provides a direct PTI position that Afridi's continuation as chief minister depends on Imran Khan's decision, while other reports and political claims have suggested the possibility of a change in the provincial leadership. (Dunya News)