Amid opposition walkout
Afridi secures 90 votes | Opposition walks out, calling the election session “unconstitutional”
JAVED KHAN
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly witnessed a charged atmosphere on Monday as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi was elected the new Chief Minister, securing 90 votes amid an opposition boycott and chaotic scenes inside the assembly hall.
The session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was called to elect a new Leader of the House following the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur.
In his ruling, the Speaker confirmed that Gandapur had submitted his resignation under Article 130(8) of the Constitution—first on October 8, and again on October 11, and had formally reiterated his resignation on the floor of the House.
“There is no constitutional requirement for the resignation to be approved. Its submission and confirmation are sufficient,” the Speaker declared, affirming the legality of the proceedings.
The assembly building, from the main gate to the hall, was packed with PTI workers, supporters, and party leaders, particularly from the tribal district represented by Sohail Afridi.
Despite security restrictions, a large number of PTI workers forced their way into the assembly hall after clashing with security personnel. Slogans in favour of Imran Khan and PTI echoed throughout the chamber, disrupting proceedings.
Former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur entered the House holding a portrait of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, drawing applause and chants from party members.
Before voting commenced, opposition members staged a walkout in protest, terming the session unconstitutional and disputing the acceptance of Gandapur’s resignation.
Despite the boycott, the Speaker proceeded with the election, maintaining that all constitutional requirements had been fulfilled.
Assembly bells were rung for five minutes to ensure full attendance. PTI lawmakers gathered in Lobby No. 1, designated for Sohail Afridi.
Following the vote, Speaker Swati declared Afridi elected as the new Chief Minister of KP with 90 votes. PTI MPA Asif Mehsud could not participate as he is currently abroad.
As the results were announced, PTI members erupted in celebration, hugging the newly elected CM while supporters inside the chamber raised slogans. The Speaker repeatedly called for order amid the jubilation.
In his concluding remarks, Speaker Swati stated:“The election of the Chief Minister is not based on anyone’s wishes, but on the Constitution. All legal and procedural requirements have been met.”
He also addressed the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), saying, “We love you. Our soldiers are sacrificing for the nation.”
Earlier, PTI MPA Dr. Amjad led a prayer for Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers who were killed in recent clashes, a gesture acknowledged by the House.
Meanwhile, the KP Assembly Secretariat has forwarded the official summary for the swearing-in of newly elected Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi to the Governor House.
The summary, sent immediately after the announcement of election results, includes details of the voting process and outcome. The Secretariat has formally requested the Governor to administer the oath of office to the new Chief Minister.
Caption for the pic
PESHAWAR: Newly elected CM Sohail Afridi delivers his maiden speech to the Assembly after securing 90 votes. DLP Photo
