Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially appointed Sohail Afridi as the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, succeeding Ali Amin Gandapur in a major political reshuffle within the province.

Afridi’s rise marks a significant shift in PTI’s provincial leadership, bringing in a fresh, youth-driven perspective rooted in grassroots politics.

Hailing from Bara tehsil of Khyber district, Afridi is among PTI’s most dedicated and ideological young leaders. Currently serving as the provincial minister for higher education, his elevation to the top provincial slot reflects PTI founder Imran Khan’s continued trust in the next generation of party leadership.

Educational and early life

Afridi began his education at Muslim Public School, Saddar Peshawar, where he completed his matriculation. Later, he attended FC Government High School before earning a BS degree in Economics from the University of Peshawar. Known for his humble beginnings, Afridi’s academic journey mirrors the story of many young Pakistanis striving for success through perseverance and hard work.

Political journey and rise through PTI ranks

Afridi’s political career kicked off in 2015 when he became president of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) at the University of Peshawar. His energy and leadership soon propelled him to the position of ISF’s Peshawar region president and later provincial president of ISF KP. His dedication to youth activism made him a recognizable face within PTI’s youth circles, where he later led the Insaf Youth Wing across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During a challenging period following the May 9, 2023 incidents, when many senior PTI leaders went underground, Afridi remained active on the frontlines. He organized youth-driven campaigns and social media movements calling for Imran Khan’s release — a move that solidified his standing as a loyal and fearless party member.

Electoral success and ministerial role

Afridi’s entry into mainstream politics came during the 2024 general elections when he contested from PK-70 (Khyber-II). His decisive victory over PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi was hailed as a breakthrough for PTI’s new leadership generation. Following the win, then-Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur inducted him into the provincial cabinet as Special Assistant for Communication and Works (C&W). His strong performance earned him a promotion to Minister for Higher Education, where he worked on improving educational infrastructure and accessibility across the province.

Personal life

Belonging to a family of six brothers, Afridi is the third among them. Before stepping into politics, he was engaged in the property business — a background that gave him valuable insights into entrepreneurship and community engagement.

As the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, Sohail Afridi represents the emergence of a younger, more energetic leadership within PTI.