In a firm statement from Peshawar, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Sohail Afridi will continue to serve as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasized that Afridi retains full backing from the party’s top leadership despite circulating rumors about his potential removal.
Gohar Ali Khan rejected social media speculation, highlighting that Afridi was nominated for the role by PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated. He praised Afridi’s effective governance, noting that his performance positively reflects on the party’s administration in the province.
Describing the removal rumors as unfounded and part of a failed campaign against Afridi, the PTI chairman warned that those pushing such narratives will ultimately be disappointed. He also dismissed any suggestions of internal dissent, stating there is no forward bloc or factionalism within PTI, and reiterated the party’s unwavering support for Afridi.
Meanwhile, in a recent media appearance, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan sharply criticized the party leadership, including the chairman and secretary general, accusing them of insufficient efforts regarding the PTI protest movement and her brother’s health. She also strongly opposed the postponement of the party’s public gathering originally scheduled for April 9, the anniversary of the PTI government’s ouster in 2022 via a no-confidence vote.
However, PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja dismissed claims of internal rifts within the party leadership. He defended the decision to delay the April 9 rally, explaining it was a strategic choice to avoid disrupting international diplomatic engagements. Raja noted that Imran Khan had communicated the postponement through his legal counsel, Salman Safdar.
