In a dramatic political development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stepped down from his position following the directive of the party’s founder, Imran Khan. The party announced that Sohail Afridi, a lawmaker from Khyber district, will be nominated as the next provincial chief executive.
Imran Khan’s Decision and Party Confirmation
Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja revealed that the decision was made by Imran Khan himself, who “explained the background in detail” and instructed him to make the announcement publicly.
“This is correct — Imran Khan sahib has decided to replace Ali Amin Gandapur with Sohail Afridi as the new chief minister,” Raja said, adding that the transition would be completed through the KP Assembly, where PTI holds a clear majority.
The PTI confirmed the development through its official social media accounts, stating:
“Ali Amin Gandapur has resigned as per Imran Khan’s directive.”
Shortly after the party’s confirmation, a post from Gandapur’s verified Facebook page — later deleted — quoted him as saying:
“The office of chief minister was Imran Khan sahib’s amaanat (trust). As per his order, I am returning this trust and submitting my resignation.”
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also shared the same statement on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirming that Gandapur’s departure was voluntary and in line with Khan’s instructions.
Security and Policy Concerns Cited
According to Raja, Imran Khan expressed serious concern over the “worst wave of terrorism” currently facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly after the recent Orakzai attack. He said the PTI founder believed a change in leadership was necessary to address the deteriorating security situation and to “adopt wiser policies” for peace in the province.
Raja quoted Khan as saying that for over two years he had been warning that the federal government’s security policies were “misguided” and that the KP government needed to chart its own course. He also criticised Islamabad’s handling of Afghan refugees and lack of engagement with Kabul, calling these factors key contributors to instability.
“The new setup under Sohail Afridi will mark a fresh start,” Raja said. “Imran Khan expects Afridi to guide the federal government on how to achieve peace and act on his vision.”
No No-Confidence Move Expected
Raja clarified that there would be no vote of no-confidence against Gandapur, as the resignation had been agreed upon within the party. “Ali Amin is loyal to PTI and has Khan sahib’s good wishes. There is no reason to expect defiance,” he said.
PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan Confirms Implementation
Separately, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told reporters in Islamabad that Imran Khan’s decision was final and binding on all party members.
“Khan sahib’s orders will be acted upon. Ali Amin Gandapur will send his resignation to the governor, and the party will move forward under his guidance,” he said, adding that PTI still maintains its two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly with 91 members.
He also rejected speculation about internal divisions, insisting there was “no forward bloc” within PTI. Gohar praised Gandapur’s tenure, describing him as a “dedicated worker who served the province and the party tirelessly.”
Rifts and Background Tensions
The leadership change follows months of growing unease within PTI’s provincial ranks. Reports of a dispute between Gandapur and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had recently made headlines.
While Salman Akram Raja denied that the reshuffle was linked to that feud, the spat had intensified earlier when Aleema accused Gandapur of misinforming Imran Khan about her political intentions. Gandapur had countered that certain factions were running a campaign to present Aleema as the party’s future chairperson.
The internal friction had been further exposed during the June passage of the KP budget, when Gandapur pushed the fiscal plan through the assembly before meeting Imran Khan for final approval — a move criticised by several senior PTI leaders, including Raja and former finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra. Gandapur had defended his actions as necessary to prevent the imposition of governor’s rule.
Who Is Sohail Afridi?
The incoming chief minister, Sohail Afridi, represents PK-70 (Khyber district) and is a first-time member of the provincial assembly. A long-time PTI activist and former head of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) KP chapter, Afridi previously served as Special Assistant on Communication and Works and later as Provincial Minister for Higher Education.
His nomination is seen as a significant moment for the merged tribal districts, as he will become the first chief minister from the former FATA region. Party insiders view his selection as an attempt by PTI to unify its ranks and strengthen representation from historically underrepresented areas.
A Controlled Transition Amid Turbulence
For now, PTI sources indicate that formal consultations inside Adiala Jail will finalise the leadership transition in the coming days. The party hopes that Sohail Afridi’s appointment will restore stability in the province and reflect Imran Khan’s continued control over PTI’s political direction, even from behind bars.
