Amid opposition walkout
\nAfridi secures 90 votes | Opposition walks out, calling the election session \u201cunconstitutional\u201d
\nJAVED KHAN
\nPESHAWAR
\nThe 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.
\nThe session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was called to elect a new Leader of the House following the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur.
\nIn his ruling, the Speaker confirmed that Gandapur had submitted his resignation under Article 130(8) of the Constitution\u2014first on October 8, and again on October 11, and had formally reiterated his resignation on the floor of the House.
\n\u201cThere is no constitutional requirement for the resignation to be approved. Its submission and confirmation are sufficient,\u201d the Speaker declared, affirming the legality of the proceedings.
\nThe 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.
\nDespite 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.
\nFormer Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur entered the House holding a portrait of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, drawing applause and chants from party members.<\/p>\n
Before voting commenced, opposition members staged a walkout in protest, terming the session unconstitutional and disputing the acceptance of Gandapur\u2019s resignation.
\nDespite the boycott, the Speaker proceeded with the election, maintaining that all constitutional requirements had been fulfilled.
\nAssembly bells were rung for five minutes to ensure full attendance. PTI lawmakers gathered in Lobby No. 1, designated for Sohail Afridi.
\nFollowing 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.
\nAs 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.
\nIn his concluding remarks, Speaker Swati stated:\u201cThe election of the Chief Minister is not based on anyone\u2019s wishes, but on the Constitution. All legal and procedural requirements have been met.\u201d
\nHe also addressed the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), saying, \u201cWe love you. Our soldiers are sacrificing for the nation.\u201d
\nEarlier, 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.
\nMeanwhile, 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.
\nThe 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.
\nCaption for the pic
\nPESHAWAR: Newly elected CM Sohail Afridi delivers his maiden speech to the Assembly after securing 90 votes. DLP Photo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Amid opposition walkout Afridi secures 90 votes | Opposition walks out, calling the election session \u201cunconstitutional\u201d 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":508404,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-508379","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n