Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who often touts the ideals of rule of law and judicial independence, is facing growing criticism for effectively stalling provincial governance for over two weeks. The delay, insiders say, was caused by his repeated consultations with his party’s incarcerated leader, Imran Khan, in violation of both political convention and legal precedent.
During this period, key administrative decisions, cabinet formation, and departmental activities remained suspended — leaving the province practically without a functioning government. Opposition parties are reportedly considering filing a petition challenging the legality of the newly formed cabinet, citing the CM’s open admission that the lineup was finalized “on the directions of Imran Khan,” who is currently serving a prison sentence.
Legal and Constitutional Questions
According to legal experts, a jailed individual cannot, as per the court’s decision, head a political party or issue binding directives. The Supreme Court’s earlier verdicts — including those that disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from party leadership — serve as clear precedent. Should the opposition approach the court, analysts believe the cabinet’s legitimacy could be struck down on similar grounds, once again consuming precious time and state resources.
Governance on Pause Amid Rising Crises
While political maneuvering continues, the province faces mounting challenges — from rising terrorism and cross-border infiltrations to spiraling inflation, unemployment, and shortages of essential commodities. Critics argue that the chief minister’s preoccupation with his party leader’s guidance has left KP’s pressing issues neglected.
Ironically, CM Afridi’s statements about the security situation have also shifted over time. At one point, he dismissed reports of terrorism, terming the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “our own people” with whom talks should continue. More recently, he admitted that “terrorist attacks from across the border are ongoing and have caused martyrdoms.”
Observers note that this inconsistency raises questions about the government’s policy coherence. Adding to the controversy, Afridi returned bulletproof vehicles provided by the federal government for police use — a decision that has drawn criticism, particularly after recent police casualties in Hangu.
Governor’s Earlier Warning Ignored
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had earlier advised CM Afridi to form a smaller, interim cabinet until he could consult his party leadership, warning that administrative paralysis was delaying key files and decisions. The advice, however, was disregarded — and the full cabinet was finalized only after the CM’s visit to Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan.
A Province in Political Limbo
For a province confronting both governance and security challenges, critics say the situation reflects misplaced priorities. As KP enters its third consecutive term under the same party, many wonder whether the government will prioritize citizens’ welfare over political loyalty.
