The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Sohail Afridi as the next chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He is expected to replace Ali Amin Gandapur following a surprise decision by the party’s leadership. Afridi, currently serving as Minister for Higher Education, is one of PTI’s most active grassroots leaders. He is known for his strong organisational skills, political discipline, and popularity among youth.
Afridi hails from Bara tehsil in Khyber district and started his political journey through PTI’s student wing. He became campus president of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) at the University of Peshawar in 2015. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming provincial president of ISF KP and head of PTI’s youth wing. He played a central role in reorganising the party’s youth force during tough times, especially after the May 9, 2023 protests.
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Afridi entered mainstream politics in the 2024 general elections from PK-70 (Khyber-II) as an independent. He won by a massive margin, securing over 31,000 votes and defeating PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi. His victory was seen as a shift in tribal political dynamics, as voters backed performance and presence over party affiliation. Soon after, he aligned with PTI and joined the cabinet. He initially served as Special Assistant for Communication and Works before becoming Minister for Higher Education.
Afridi’s focus on clean governance and direct public service earned him praise. He personally oversaw projects like road expansion, college rehabilitation, and flood relief efforts across Khyber. During the 2025 monsoon floods, he set up emergency camps and led aid distribution with local NGOs. His social media presence also sets him apart, as he frequently updates constituents on development progress and responds to public concerns in real time.
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Analysts view Afridi as a rising star in PTI and a representative of the party’s next generation. Supporters say he blends youthful energy with policy focus, aiming to shift KP politics from slogans to service delivery. As he prepares to take charge of the province, expectations are high. His challenge will be to maintain party unity, deliver development amid tight budgets, and prove that youth-led leadership can deliver on promises.