PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has pledged to take strict action against government officials who, he claims, failed to uphold the people’s mandate during the 2024 general elections. Speaking at his first high-level meeting on law and order and governance since assuming office, Afridi emphasized transparency and accountability within the provincial administration.
Afridi officially took charge as KP’s chief minister on October 13, following the resignation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur from the post on the directive of PTI founder Imran Khan. The new CM wasted no time in setting his priorities, calling for immediate identification of officials who allegedly acted against the public’s will during the polls.
“An attempt was made to rob people of their mandate on February 8, [2024]. The party has staged several protests nationwide since the 2024 general election, alleging both pre- and post-poll rigging across the country,” Afridi said.
He instructed the KP chief secretary to compile a report naming those officials who, according to him, failed to safeguard the voters’ choices. “Unfortunately, some government officials failed to bear pressure. Some did not protect people’s mandate,” he remarked, reaffirming his government’s commitment to holding them accountable.
At the same time, Afridi announced that those who upheld democratic values and “stood by the people” during the elections would be rewarded. The chief minister’s firm stance highlights his administration’s focus on rebuilding public trust and ensuring the integrity of governance in the province.
The 2024 general elections were marked by significant controversy, with PTI candidates contesting as independents after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) revoked the party’s iconic ‘bat’ symbol. The decision left PTI unable to secure reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies, sparking widespread protests and allegations of electoral manipulation.
Since then, PTI leaders have consistently claimed that their mandate was stolen through administrative pressure and irregularities before and after polling day. Afridi’s latest directive aligns with the party’s broader stance, as he appears determined to expose and penalize any misconduct by government officials during that period.
As the newly elected KP chief minister, Afridi’s early actions signal a governance style rooted in accountability and political justice. His emphasis on protecting the people’s mandate reflects PTI’s continuing struggle for what it calls “true democracy” and fair representation in Pakistan’s political landscape.
With this move, Afridi aims to strengthen his government’s credibility and reassure citizens that those who violated electoral integrity will face consequences, while loyal officials will be recognized for their commitment to democratic principles.
