Muhammad Sohail Afridi, born on July 12, 1989, in the Bara tehsil of Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a prominent Pakistani politician and the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). At 36 years old, he holds the distinction of being one of the youngest Chief Ministers in the province’s history and the first from the tribal areas, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Afridi hails from a middle-class family belonging to the Shalobar tribe of the Afridi clan, known for their integrity and community service in the tribal heartland. He is the third of six brothers, growing up in Khyber district, an area that has undergone significant transformation post-merger with KPK. From an early age, Afridi displayed leadership qualities and a deep connection with his community, shaped by the challenges of tribal life including security issues and development needs.
His educational journey began at Muslim Public School in Saddar, Peshawar, where he completed his early schooling and matriculation. He continued at FC Government High School, Peshawar, before pursuing higher education at the University of Peshawar, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics. This academic foundation, combined with informal studies in political science and public administration, instilled in him values of fairness, accountability, and inclusive progress, preparing him for a life in public service.
Political Career
Afridi’s political journey ignited during his university years, rooted in student activism. In 2015, he was elected president of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF), the student wing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), at the Peshawar University campus. By 2018, he had risen to become the provincial president of ISF for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mobilizing youth, advocating for educational reforms, and building a grassroots base among students and first-time voters.
As a dedicated PTI loyalist, Afridi has been at the forefront of party protests, enduring arrests and hardships, including imprisonment, for the cause. He vocally addressed issues such as drone attacks, the Bara Khyber incident, and post-May 9, 2023, crackdowns, establishing himself as a voice for the marginalized in tribal regions. During the 2023 PTI leadership vacuum, he remained active, leading youth-driven protests via social media and street mobilization to demand Imran Khan’s release. Afridi also served in key roles within PTI’s youth wing and as a member of the party’s central executive committee, strengthening PTI’s presence in tribal areas.
In the 2024 general elections, Afridi made his electoral debut, winning the KPK Provincial Assembly seat from PK-70 (Khyber-II) with 31,649 votes, defeating PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi (7,401 votes) and others by a wide margin. As a first-time Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), he was inducted into the provincial cabinet under Ali Amin Gandapur, initially as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Communications and Works, focusing on infrastructure projects. Following a cabinet reshuffle, he was promoted to Minister for Higher Education, where he championed youth employment, educational reforms, and anti-corruption measures.
Rise to Chief Minister
On October 8, 2025, PTI founder Imran Khan directed the removal of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur amid internal party dynamics and the need for renewed leadership to address provincial challenges like security and governance. Afridi was nominated as his successor, a decision endorsed by PTI’s central leadership, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who praised his ideological commitment and youth appeal. Gandapur resigned on October 9, submitting his letter to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, citing the CM post as a “trust” from Khan. Afridi was elected unopposed in the KPK Assembly on October 13, 2025, assuming office as the 32nd Chief Minister.
As Chief Minister, Afridi’s vision aligns with PTI’s ethos of justice, transparency, and reform. He prioritizes good governance through merit-based appointments, investments in education and healthcare, economic development via youth employment programs, digital governance, and anti-corruption drives to foster a self-reliant, peaceful KPK. Early initiatives include enhancing tribal area infrastructure and addressing security concerns in merged districts.
Achievements and Contributions
Afridi’s career highlights include leading ISF expansions, spearheading development projects in Khyber district (e.g., roads and schools), and social welfare during crises like floods and militancy. As Higher Education Minister, he launched scholarships and skill-training for tribal youth, earning praise from civil organizations and PTI leaders for his clean image and bold anti-corruption stance. His efforts have empowered small businesses and women in tribal regions, solidifying PTI’s grassroots hold.
Personal Life
Afridi maintains an athletic build, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 75 kilograms, reflecting his disciplined lifestyle. He is married with children, though he keeps family details private to shield them from political spotlight. A businessman by profession before full-time politics, he balances public duties with family and community ties. Active on social media—Facebook (@MuhammadSohailAfridi) and X (@SohailAfridiPK)—he engages constituents on reforms; contact via [email protected].
Controversies
Afridi has largely avoided major scandals, with his record marked by a clean, transparent approach. Criticisms, often from political rivals, stem from his vocal PTI loyalty and protest involvement, but these have bolstered his image as an unyielding reformer rather than detracting from it.
Sohail Afridi’s ascent from student activist to Chief Minister exemplifies youth leadership in Pakistan, embodying PTI’s ideals of empowerment and justice under Imran Khan’s mentorship. As he steers KPK toward prosperity, his story inspires a new generation committed to progressive change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sohail Afridi
- Who is Sohail Afridi?
Sohail Afridi is a Pakistani politician, member of PTI, and the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for his youth leadership and tribal roots. - How old is Sohail Afridi?
Born on July 12, 1989, Sohail Afridi is 36 years old as of October 2025. - Where was Sohail Afridi born?
He was born in Bara tehsil, Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. - What is Sohail Afridi’s educational background?
He completed matriculation from Muslim Public School, Peshawar, and holds a BS degree in Economics from the University of Peshawar. - What is Sohail Afridi’s family background?
He comes from a middle-class family of the Shalobar tribe, with six brothers; he is the third sibling. - When did Sohail Afridi join PTI?
He joined PTI during his student years and began active involvement in 2015 as ISF president at Peshawar University. - What was Sohail Afridi’s first political role?
His first major role was as president of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) at the university level in 2015. - Which constituency does Sohail Afridi represent?
He represents PK-70 (Khyber-II) in the KPK Provincial Assembly, elected in 2024. - How many votes did Sohail Afridi win in the 2024 elections?
He secured 31,649 votes, defeating PML-N’s Bilawal Afridi who received 7,401 votes. - What cabinet positions did Sohail Afridi hold before becoming CM?
He served as Special Assistant on Communications and Works, then as Minister for Higher Education. - Why was Ali Amin Gandapur replaced as CM?
On Imran Khan’s directives, Gandapur resigned on October 9, 2025, to refresh leadership amid provincial challenges. - When was Sohail Afridi elected as Chief Minister?
He was nominated on October 8, 2025, and elected unopposed on October 13, 2025. - What is Sohail Afridi’s vision as Chief Minister?
It focuses on good governance, education/health investments, youth employment, anti-corruption, and digital reforms for a self-reliant KPK. - What are Sohail Afridi’s key achievements?
Leading youth mobilization, infrastructure projects in Khyber, scholarships for tribal students, and maintaining PTI protests post-2023. - Is Sohail Afridi married? Does he have children?
Yes, he is married and has children, though he maintains privacy about his family. - What is Sohail Afridi’s height and weight?
He stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 75 kilograms. - What is Sohail Afridi’s profession outside politics?
He is a businessman by profession. - Has Sohail Afridi faced any controversies?
No major ones; criticisms are mostly political, related to his protest activities, but he maintains a clean image. - How can one contact Sohail Afridi?
Via email at [email protected] or social media: Facebook (@MuhammadSohailAfridi) and X (@SohailAfridiPK). - Why is Sohail Afridi significant for KPK politics?
As the youngest CM and first from tribal areas, he symbolizes youth empowerment and PTI’s push for inclusive, reform-oriented governance in merged districts.
