Peshawar -The Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) is facing major constitutional and legal challenges in its bid to change the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.A stay order issued by the Peshawar High Court, coupled with two separate resignation letters from former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has complicated the path for PTI’s nominated candidate, Sohail Afridi.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has summoned Ali Amin Gandapur to the Governor House on 15th October for confirmation of his resignation.The two conflicting resignation letters submitted by Gandapur at different times have provided the Governor with constitutional grounds to raise objections, effectively halting the process of changing the provincial Chief Executive for now.
According to reliable sources, all proceedings related to Monday’s planned session, during which PTI intended to elect Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister, have been temporarily suspended.At this stage, PTI has only one available option: to table a vote of no confidence against Gandapur in today’s assembly session and elect Sohail Afridi through that process. Otherwise, the party will have to wait until 15th October for further developments.
PTI spokespersons allege that the federal government and opposition parties are creating hurdles to prevent Sohail Afridi’s election as Chief Minister.However, some within PTI admit that certain procedural and legal lapses by the party itself have allowed the Governor to challenge Gandapur’s resignation on constitutional grounds.
Currently, PTI’s focus is on the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, who is expected to use his constitutional powers to steer the province out of this political and legal deadlock.It is anticipated that the Speaker may take steps to counter the Governor’s position and clear the way for the Chief Minister’s election.
Meanwhile, the Peshawar High Court has issued a stay order, directing the Speaker not to take any action that may violate the court’s instructions.The court has ordered that the election of the Chief Minister be postponed until the case is decided.
On the other hand, four candidates have submitted nomination papers for the Chief Minister’s KP election’s: Sohail Afridi (PTI), Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI F), Arbab Zark (PPP), and Sardar Shahjahan (PML N).
Political analysts suggest that opposition parties are considering fielding Maulana Lutfur Rehman as their joint candidate, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the upcoming election and intensify the political contest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Now, all eyes are on the unfolding constitutional and political battle between PTI and the opposition.The final outcome, and who ultimately takes control of the provincial government, will largely depend on the Peshawar High Court’s ruling in the coming days.