Islamabad (Pakistan News): A senior source in the federal government has claimed that the chances of suspended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi returning to office have almost disappeared, even if the emergency and governor’s rule imposed in the province prove to be temporary.
According to sources, there appears to be no possibility of Sohail Afridi returning as chief minister. Thus, even after the emergency is lifted, the prospect of him resuming the position is being ruled out.
This development comes as the federal government has suspended the provincial government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and placed Sohail Afridi, along with some cabinet members, in preventive detention.
Preventive detention and pending legal cases have further increased uncertainty surrounding Sohail Afridi’s political future. On October 11, the federal government imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in the province, arguing that the provincial government had failed to deal effectively with terrorism.
On the other hand, PTI has rejected the federal government’s move, describing it as a politically motivated decision.
According to the federal source, Sohail Afridi’s hardline political stance, particularly his statements regarding terrorism and state institutions, has further strained his relations with the federal government and the establishment. The source indicated that his return as chief minister is no longer considered a viable possibility at the federal level.
The challenges facing Sohail Afridi’s political future also include several legal cases, including those related to the events of May 9, 2023, protest demonstrations, and petitions challenging his appointment as chief minister.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court has scheduled October 15 for a hearing on a petition challenging Sohail Afridi’s appointment.