Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur resigned on Wednesday following directives from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, confirming weeks of speculation about a change in the province’s leadership.
In a letter to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Gandapur said the position was a “trust” bestowed by Khan, which he was now returning “in respectful compliance” with his leader’s orders. “It is my honour to tender my resignation from the office of Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he wrote, adding that he had served the province “with absolute sincerity” despite facing financial and security challenges.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the decision, saying Khan had nominated PTI lawmaker Sohail Afridi as Gandapur’s replacement. “It is correct that Ali Amin Gandapur is being removed from office. The decision was made by the party founder, and Sohail Afridi will take over,” Raja told reporters in Rawalpindi.
He linked the leadership change to the deteriorating security situation in the province, particularly the recent Orakzai attack in which 11 security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a major, were martyred during an intelligence-based operation. “Khan sahib is very sad about the incident. There was no choice but to make the change,” Raja said.
Gandapur’s exit follows internal rifts within PTI, including public disagreements with Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. The former chief minister, known for his fiery style, had accused some party members of trying to create divisions.
The reshuffle marks a major shake-up within PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership as the party grapples with mounting security challenges and seeks to restore cohesion under Khan’s direction from behind bars.