In a significant development, Arbab Khizar Hayat, Additional Secretary Information of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, announced on Thursday that a major political shift is imminent in the province. He asserted that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would be removed from office within the next 24 hours.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Hayat stated that preparations from the federal government’s side had been finalized to facilitate this change. His comments come amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over law and order issues and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad on October 4.
Recently, the federal government has indicated the possibility of imposing governor’s rule or declaring an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a move strongly rejected by the provincial government, which remains determined to proceed with the march. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry had earlier mentioned that the federal government was seriously contemplating emergency measures in the province.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also cautioned the provincial government against actions that could trigger extraordinary constitutional interventions. Federal ministers have raised concerns over security and alleged non-cooperation from the provincial authorities. Despite these warnings, Sohail Afridi has maintained that the October 4 march will take place, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan appealed to the federal government not to impose governor’s rule or emergency in KP.
Hayat criticized the PTI government’s performance during its current two-and-a-half-year tenure, questioning the benefits delivered to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He highlighted ongoing security challenges, noting a disturbing rise in terrorist incidents. him, 44 suicide attacks occurred in the province over this period, including 15 in 2024, 18 in 2025, and 11 up to September of the current year.
He further revealed that police forces faced 536 attacks during this time, with many security personnel sacrificing their lives in the line of duty. Nonetheless, he claimed police successfully thwarted 324 terrorist attacks.
Turning to financial matters, Hayat referenced the Auditor General of Pakistan’s report, which identified irregularities totaling Rs551 billion in KP government accounts. He urged the provincial administration to provide a full explanation to the public regarding these financial discrepancies. He demanded transparency about the amount recovered and actions taken against those responsible.
Hayat emphasized that the province’s difficulties extended beyond terrorism, encompassing issues in health, education, employment, and essential public services. He called on the provincial government to present a detailed performance report to the public and requested updates on the Rs100 billion development plan for Peshawar, insisting that citizens be informed about its progress.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, Hayat stated that it is not merely a political slogan but a genuine demand from the people.
Regarding the PTI’s October 4 long march, Hayat expressed skepticism about the party’s ability to reach Islamabad. Initially scheduled for September 27, the march was postponed to October 4 and planned as a political demonstration from Peshawar to the capital in support of PTI’s objectives.
Concluding his remarks, Hayat declared that the political career of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has effectively come to an end.
