Ali Amin Gandapur Resigns as KP Chief Minister
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stepped down from his position following direct instructions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Gandapur’s resignation will be formally submitted to the governor on Thursday, with Sohail Afridi nominated as the party’s candidate for the next chief minister of KP.
Gandapur, who assumed office on March 3, 2024, faced a turbulent tenure marked by political clashes, corruption allegations, and growing tension between the provincial and federal governments. His leadership was often criticized both by the opposition and members of his own party.
According to party sources, Imran Khan — currently incarcerated — personally directed Gandapur to resign, signaling major internal shifts within PTI’s provincial leadership. This decision comes after months of internal disagreements, policy disputes, and governance controversies that strained the party’s unity.
During Gandapur’s tenure, PTI’s provincial government frequently locked horns with the federation over financial and administrative matters. Since Khyber Pakhtunkhwa relies heavily on federal funding, Gandapur struggled to balance provincial autonomy with political reality.
From the early days of his government, corruption accusations plagued his administration. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in May 2025 reported a Rs30 billion scandal involving provincial departments, which further damaged Gandapur’s credibility.
In August 2024, Imran Khan issued stern warnings from jail, urging PTI ministers to improve governance and transparency. Following his message, several cabinet reshuffles took place, and former minister Shakeel Ahmed Khan was dismissed over corruption allegations.
Adding to his troubles, Gandapur’s move to initiate direct talks with the Afghan Taliban without federal authorization created diplomatic controversy. In September 2024, Islamabad clarified that only the federal government holds the authority to engage in foreign relations — a statement widely interpreted as a rebuke to Gandapur’s independent approach.
The former CM also faced backlash from within PTI ranks during protests demanding Imran Khan’s release. His absence during crucial demonstrations in Islamabad led to harsh criticism, with some party members accusing him of betraying the movement. Even Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, reportedly expressed disappointment over his conduct during the October 2024 protests.
Over time, Gandapur’s decisions increasingly clashed with PTI’s central policies. He backed military operations in KP and pushed forward the Mines and Minerals Bill despite Khan’s opposition. Insiders claim that Imran Khan viewed Gandapur’s stance as aligning with “establishment interests.”
As civilian casualties from drone strikes rose in 2025, the pressure mounted on Gandapur to halt the operations. His inability to manage the situation reportedly led to the final break with Imran Khan, ultimately resulting in his resignation.
Political analysts describe this development as a turning point in PTI’s provincial politics. Once a loyal ally and a powerful figure in KP, Ali Amin Gandapur now exits under a cloud of controversies, leaving behind a legacy marred by corruption claims, policy failures, and deep internal rifts.
Imran Khan’s decision to appoint Sohail Afridi as the new KP Chief Minister reflects PTI’s attempt to restructure its leadership and rebuild trust among supporters. However, with mounting challenges, including ongoing corruption probes and strained federal relations, Afridi’s appointment may face the same uphill battle that defined Gandapur’s tenure.
Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation underscores the fragile balance within PTI’s power structure and signals that Imran Khan’s control over the party remains absolute, even from behind bars.
