Suhail Afridi and Maulana Lutfur Rehman emerge as key contenders for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s top political office
The race for the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has officially begun, with the nomination papers of all candidates successfully accepted, according to election officials. The scrutiny process was completed on Sunday, clearing the way for a highly anticipated vote in the provincial assembly.
Four candidates are vying for the position, with a close contest expected between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Suhail Afridi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)’s Maulana Lutfur Rehman.
The other contenders include Arbab Zark of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The final list of candidates was issued after all nomination papers were reviewed and approved.
Election process proceeds without objections
Sources confirmed that the scrutiny process concluded smoothly, with no objections raised against any of the candidates. The nomination papers were submitted earlier in the day, with the deadline for scrutiny set at 4 PM.
PTI’s Suhail Afridi, speaking to the media after submitting his documents, stressed that the election would be held in line with constitutional procedures. He emphasized transparency and warned against any external interference in the electoral process.
Afridi also stated that he would soon present a detailed policy vision on the floor of the provincial assembly.
Opposition unites behind Lutfur Rehman
While several names initially surfaced from opposition parties, including Dr Ibadullah Khan from PML-N, it was later confirmed that the opposition alliance has consolidated its support behind Maulana Lutfur Rehman.
JUI-F leader Maulana Ataur Rehman reiterated that fielding a candidate for the chief minister’s office is the democratic right of the opposition and vowed to give the ruling party a tough contest.
Meanwhile, Dr Abdullah has officially withdrawn his candidacy from the race, streamlining the competition to four main contenders.
Assembly vote to decide next CM
With the nomination process complete, focus now shifts to the upcoming KP Assembly session, where intense political lobbying and number-counting are already underway.
Analysts expect a tight contest, especially between PTI and the united opposition, setting the stage for a potentially decisive and politically charged vote.
