In a significant political development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has nominated Sohail Afridi, the provincial minister for higher education, as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), replacing Ali Amin Gandapur.

Hailing from Bara tehsil of Khyber district, the young and energetic Afridi has been associated with PTI since his student days, known for his ideological commitment and deep connection with grassroots workers.

Sohail Afridi completed his early education in Peshawar, earning a BS degree in Economics from the University of Peshawar.

His political journey began in 2015 as President of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) at the university, eventually rising to become Provincial President of ISF KP and later heading the Insaf Youth Wing, where he played a crucial role in mobilizing and organizing young activists.

He entered mainstream politics in the 2024 general elections, winning the PK-70 (Khyber-II) seat with a decisive victory against PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi — a breakthrough that solidified his political standing.

Following the polls, he joined the KP cabinet as Special Assistant for Communication and Works, later promoted to Minister for Higher Education.

During the politically turbulent period after May 9, 2023, Afridi emerged as one of PTI’s most active voices, maintaining communication with workers, leading youth-led protests, and advocating for Imran Khan’s release.

Coming from a humble background, Afridi is the third among six brothers and was previously engaged in the property business before dedicating himself fully to politics.

His appointment as chief minister is seen as a symbol of PTI’s renewed focus on youth leadership, grassroots representation, and ideological strength in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.