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The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IG. He can be reached at syed_shah94@yahoo.com
It is indeed a good omen that Sohail Afridi, hailing from a lower-middle-class background, has made it to the office of Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. His rise marks a refreshing departure from the traditional elitist domination of Pakistani politics and serves as an inspiration for countless young people across the country. It fortifies the belief that politics is not the exclusive domain of the elite – rather, it opens gates to anyone having the traits of leadership, conviction and commitment to public service.
However, while his ascent is a source of encouragement and renewed hope, it also brings with it high expectations. In developing societies such as ours, leadership transitions are often accompanied by a “revolution of expectations”, particularly among the youth who constitute the majority of the population. The young chief minister stands at the intersection of hope and responsibility – facing immense pressure to deliver on both symbolic and substantive fronts.
Broadly speaking, Sohail Afridi faces three major challenges in his tenure: 1) securing release of his leader Imran Khan; 2) dealing with the threat of terrorism and radicalisation; and 3) ensuring good governance.
The foremost and most politically charged challenge before him is the release of his incarcerated mentor, Imran Khan. For a party that thrives on charismatic leadership and a strong emotional bond with its followers, this issue is at the core of its political agenda and identity. As Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi must navigate the delicate line between his constitutional role as head of the provincial government and his political identity as a loyal member of PTI. His ability to manage this balance will define his political maturity. On one hand, he must uphold the dignity of his office, which demands adherence to constitutional propriety, administrative discipline and respect for institutional boundaries. On the other, he is expected by his supporters to exert every possible influence – political, legal and moral – for his leader’s release. To achieve this, he must build a formidable and cohesive team that bridges the gap between the PTI’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter and the central structure.
Yet, Afridi must also recognise a hard political reality: no meaningful progress on this front can be achieved without engaging Punjab, which remains the political heartland of Pakistan. Mobilising national sentiment and fostering cooperation across provincial lines will therefore be the real test of his leadership. For PTI workers and loyalists, his performance will be judged less by administrative metrics and more by his perceived ability to secure freedom for their leader.
The second major challenge relates to terrorism and the growing threat of radicalisation. PTI’s political philosophy has at times struggled to reconcile its populist positions with the imperatives of statecraft, particularly in dealing with militancy and extremism. The Chief Minister must now walk a fine line between ideological consistency and pragmatic governance.
Afridi, himself belonging to Khyber district, is acutely aware of the devastating impact of terrorism on the social and economic fabric of the province. The mounting hostilities have not only claimed countless lives but also stunted development and discouraged investment. In this context, the provincial government must act as both a partner and a stakeholder in the national counterterrorism effort, led primarily by the armed forces and federal agencies.
While law and order in K-P has always been a complex challenge, the situation today demands a coordinated, intelligence-based approach rooted in political ownership. The Chief Minister must ensure that the provincial police, Counter Terrorism Department, and civil administration are all strengthened, adequately resourced and free from political interference. At the same time, de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programmes need to be institutionalised to address the ideological roots of militancy. His success on this front will not only restore normalcy in the province but also reaffirm the writ of the state.
The third – and perhaps most critical – challenge is governance. Ultimately, the measure of any government’s success lies in the well-being of its people. Governance, therefore, is not an abstract concept; it is about delivering tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. Efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability and the rule of law are the cornerstones of good governance. Combined, they promote merit and discourage corruption.
Chief Minister Afridi must realise that mediocrity breeds inefficiency, and inefficiency breeds corruption. If he truly wishes to deliver, he must reject mediocrity and nepotism in all appointments and policy decisions. Every department – from health and education to policing and local government – must be staffed with personnel vetted on the basis of competence and integrity. Decision-making should be decentralised to empower local bodies, ensuring that governance is participatory and responsive.
With good governance, many of the negative effects of political instability or security challenges can be mitigated. A responsive and transparent provincial administration can serve as a buffer against disillusionment, fostering public trust in democratic institutions.
To translate his vision into reality, the Chief Minister might consider adopting a “model city” approach. Peshawar, or one or two other urban centres, could be developed as governance showcases, with a special focus on civic amenities, sanitation, education and environment. Visible change in these cities would not only improve the quality of life for residents but also symbolise the government’s commitment to reform. Once people begin to feel the change, hope will translate into confidence, and confidence into stability.
Afridi’s elevation to the position of Chief Minister represents both a personal triumph and a public test. His journey from a humble background to the province’s highest office embodies the democratic ideal that leadership can indeed emerge from the grassroots. Yet, with great symbolism comes great responsibility. His tenure will be judged not merely by rhetoric or party loyalty, but by his ability to govern effectively, deliver justice and safeguard the lives and dignity of his people.
If he can combine political wisdom with administrative discipline, and idealism with realism, he has the potential to redefine leadership in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Ultimately, good governance – more than any slogan or campaign – will be the true panacea for the province’s ills.
