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........

© The Express Tribune