PESHAWAR: The election for the new chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa takes place today in the provincial assembly. With four candidates contesting, the province stands at a significant political crossroads. Citizens and analysts alike advise all political leaders to act responsibly and ensure a peaceful and transparent process.
After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominated Suhail Afridi as its candidate, opposition parties immediately became more active. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) nominated Maulana Lutfur Rehman, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) named Arbab Zark. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) selected Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf for the contest. The nomination papers of all four candidates were accepted after thorough scrutiny, confirming their eligibility.
With PTI holding a clear majority in the provincial assembly, efforts are reportedly focused on securing Suhail Afridi’s unopposed election. Observers advise that consensus among parties could strengthen political harmony in the province. PTI’s provincial president, Junaid Akbar, has been leading negotiations with other parties to achieve this goal.
Recently, a PTI delegation headed by Junaid Akbar met PML-N’s provincial president and federal minister, Amir Muqam. During the meeting, Junaid Akbar emphasized the importance of unity among political forces to address provincial challenges effectively. He urged all parties to support Suhail Afridi’s unopposed election and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
In response, Amir Muqam stated that his party would hold consultations with opposition allies and central leadership before making a final decision. Later, Junaid Akbar and his delegation visited the Bacha Khan Markaz to meet Awami National Party (ANP) leaders. The ANP representatives expressed their support for democratic principles but clarified they would avoid any unconstitutional or undemocratic action.
Political experts advise that stability should be the shared goal of all parties as the province faces economic and security challenges. The upcoming vote will test whether opposition parties unite behind a single contender or compete separately. Whichever path they choose, maintaining respect for democratic norms will strengthen governance and public confidence in the electoral process.
