Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has nominated Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, replacing Ali Amin Gandapur, who announced his resignation from the post on Wednesday.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the development while speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, saying the party founder had directed the change in provincial leadership.

From Khyber to the Chief Minister’s Office

Born on July 12, 1989, in Khyber district, Sohail Afridi was elected for the first time from PK-70 (Khyber-II) as an independent candidate in the February 2024 general elections before joining PTI.

He had defeated PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi and JUI-F’s Hameedullah Jan Afridi by a wide margin.

Businessman turned politician

Afridi holds a BS degree in Economics and is a businessman by profession. He earlier served as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Communications and Works and was recently given the portfolio of Higher Education.

He has previously served as president of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and does not belong to a political family.

Celebrations in Khyber

Following his nomination, security has been deployed at his residences in Bara and Hayatabad, while celebrations erupted in his hometown as supporters gathered to congratulate the incoming chief minister.