Ali Amin Gandapur resigns as KP Chief Minister, says he’s ‘honoured to comply’ with Imran Khan’s direction

In a major political development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur stepped down as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday, hours after PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed Sohail Afridi’s nomination for the top provincial post.

Gandapur formally submitted his resignation to KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, calling the chief minister’s office “a trust” placed in him by PTI founder Imran Khan.

“In respectful compliance with the orders of my leader and founding PTI chairman, Imran Khan, it is my honour to tender my resignation from the office of Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,”

Gandapur wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The outgoing chief minister reflected on his tenure, saying that when he took charge, the province was reeling from financial instability and rising terrorism.

With the help of his cabinet, party members, and bureaucrats, he said his government worked tirelessly to restore economic stability and launched major development projects in a region “long categorised as a warzone.”

Expressing gratitude to his colleagues and provincial officers, Gandapur admitted that the journey had been full of “extraordinary challenges,” but added that he served “with sincerity and in the best interest of Pakistan.”

Earlier, PTI’s Salman Akram Raja confirmed that Gandapur’s removal came on the instructions of Imran Khan, adding that the decision was made “in his best interest.”

He said Sohail Afridi would soon be elected as the new KP chief minister and expressed confidence in his ability to “guide and advise the federal government on crucial matters.”

Raja also hinted at a “fresh start” for the party, announcing plans for a new policy direction amid reports of internal divisions.

He criticised the federal government’s handling of Afghan deportations, calling it “unnecessary,” and urged dialogue to counter terrorism.

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told reporters that there was no rift within the party, saying:

“It’s the captain’s responsibility to decide which player to field. All PTI members remain loyal to our leader, Imran Khan.”

However, Gandapur’s resignation follows weeks of growing internal friction within PTI, particularly between him and Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister.

The two had publicly exchanged allegations, prompting the party founder — currently imprisoned since August 2023 — to order both sides to refrain from making further statements.