The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the oath-taking of newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi. The case comes amid confusion over the resignation of former CM Ali Amin Gandapur.
During proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the KP Governor is currently on an official visit and is expected to return the following day at 2 pm. The Chief Justice asked about the Governor’s stance regarding the oath-taking, and the Attorney General replied that the Governor had contacted Gandapur to discuss the acceptance of his resignation.
The court pressed for clarity on whether the Governor would administer the oath. The Attorney General stated that a final decision would be made once the Governor returns. Advocate Aamir Javed requested the bench to wait until the Governor’s return, noting that the government could arrange a plane to bring him back sooner if needed.
The Chief Justice highlighted that the chief ministerial election has already been conducted, and any delay in oath-taking raises constitutional concerns.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) has filed a petition challenging Afridi’s election. Provincial assembly member Lutfur Rehman argued that Gandapur’s resignation was not officially accepted before the election, making Afridi’s selection potentially illegal and unconstitutional. The petition requests that the election process be declared null and void.
PTI’s Sohail Afridi was elected as the new Chief Minister of KP on Monday with support from 90 assembly members. However, the Governor’s refusal to accept Gandapur’s resignation, reportedly returned with objections, has created a constitutional impasse. Legal experts say the oath cannot be administered without the Governor’s approval, preventing Afridi from officially assuming office.
In other related news also read PTI Plans SC Appeal Over PHC Verdict
The Peshawar High Court will announce its verdict after reviewing the procedural and constitutional issues, which could have significant implications for KP’s governance and political stability.
This case underscores the critical role of the Governor in the oath-taking process and highlights ongoing legal and political challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
