PTI's Asad Qaiser rules out change in K-P chief minister's seat

Says Sohail Afridi 'not going anywhere', PTI weighing options for Imran's release

Former National Assembly speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser on Thursday strongly rejected rumours of any change in the leadership of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was not going anywhere.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Qaiser said changing the chief minister was not "a child's game" that could be done "morning and evening".

"There is no truth in the news of any change in the chief minister. InshaAllah, Sohail Afridi will remain the chief minister," he asserted.

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Qaiser also addressed the cases against PTI founder Imran Khan, describing them as politically motivated and baseless. He said Imran was unjustly imprisoned and was "a prisoner of conscience" enduring difficult times for the sake of Pakistan.

"He has always spoken for the supremacy of the Constitution, law and Parliament," Qaiser added.

The PTI leader said the party was considering all options for Imran's release.

"We will launch a movement. We are in contact with the courts and the people. Whatever decision is taken, we will implement it," he said.

However, he categorically denied any backdoor negotiations, deals or contacts with the government over Imran's release, saying no formal talks were taking place.

Commenting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent statement in the National Assembly regarding a proposed Charter of Democracy, Qaiser welcomed the idea.

He said the first point of such a charter should be the holding of fresh elections and ensuring the supremacy of Parliament.

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"We fully agree that there should be a Charter of Democracy," he said. "There must be an Election Commission that ensures clean, transparent and fair elections."

Referring to the premier's offer to audit the 2018 and 2024 elections, Qaiser said PTI accepted the proposal and was ready for an independent audit through a credible commission or forum that enjoyed the trust of all parties.

On internal party matters, Qaiser acknowledged that some PTI members were disgruntled.

"They are our friends and party workers. Their reservations are valid," he said, adding that PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar had already met them.

"Steps will be taken very soon to address their concerns," he stated.