Sohail Afridi Sworn in as KP Chief Minister

News Desk 

Peshawar: Governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath of office to the newly elected Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, in a ceremony held at the Governor House on Wednesday.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, senior government officials, and political leaders. Governor Kundi congratulated Afridi and expressed hope that the new provincial government would work with dedication to ensure good governance, public welfare, and sustainable development across the province.

Earthquake Tremors Felt in Swat

An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale was felt in Swat and adjoining areas on Tuesday, according to the Seismological Center. The epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range at a depth of 220 kilometers below the surface.

No casualties or damage have been reported so far. However, the tremors prompted residents to rush out of their homes and shops in fear.

PEC Prepares for LG By-Elections

The Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Saeed Gul, has directed comprehensive arrangements for the third phase of local government by-elections scheduled for October 19, 2025, across 12 seats in seven districts.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Peshawar, Gul emphasized that arrangements should ensure voters can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear. Officials from the police, provincial government, and other departments attended the meeting.

Director Elections Muhammad Nadeem Khan briefed participants on preparations for the upcoming by-elections in Kohat, D.I. Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Malakand, Shangla, and Upper Dir. A total of 88,359 voters are expected to cast their ballots at 66 polling stations and 201 polling booths, with 23 stations marked as sensitive and five as highly sensitive.

CCTV cameras are being installed at polling stations, and additional security personnel will be deployed at sensitive locations. Control rooms at provincial and district levels will remain operational 24 hours a day to monitor the process.

The Provincial Election Commissioner thanked the provincial government and security agencies for their support and expressed hope that the elections would be conducted in a peaceful environment.