PESHAWAR: In a major political shake-up, Ali Amin Gandapur resigned yesterday from his post as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), following direct instructions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed that Imran Khan has nominated KP MPA Sohail Afridi as the next provincial chief executive.
Gandapur announced his resignation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In respectful compliance of the orders of my leader … Imran Khan, it is my honour to tender my resignation.” A copy of his resignation was sent to KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
In his resignation letter, Gandapur reflected on his tenure, noting that he inherited a province struggling with financial instability and growing terrorism. He claimed progress had been made under his leadership with the support of his cabinet, party workers, bureaucrats, and Imran Khan’s guidance.
“We steered the province to financial stability and countered the menace of militancy with resolute courage,” Gandapur wrote. “I served with absolute sincerity to the people of KP and always acted in the best interest of Pakistan.”
An earlier, now-deleted Facebook post quoted Gandapur calling the chief ministership an *amaanat* (trust) of Imran Khan, which he was now returning as instructed.
PTI’s official X account also confirmed the resignation, while Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram echoed the statement online.
At a press briefing, Raja stated Imran Khan had made the decision after reviewing the deteriorating security situation in KP. “There have been record incidents of terrorism this year,” he said. “The incident in Orakzai left Khan sahib deeply saddened. He felt compelled to make this change.”
Raja dismissed any possibility of a no-confidence vote, stating that PTI holds a clear majority in the KP Assembly and that Gandapur remains loyal to the party.
Afridi is expected to be elected as chief minister in the coming days, pending formal proceedings.
