KP CM Gandapur Resigns on Imran Khan’s Orders, Backs Afridi

Key News

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur resigns today, declaring his full support to PTI’s chosen nominee, Sohail Afridi. In a Facebook announcement, Gandapur stated he is stepping down in accordance with instructions from PTI founder Imran Khan, pledging unwavering loyalty to the selected successor. He reiterated that all party members will unite behind the new leadership to pursue the party’s agenda and demand the release of their founder.

 Reason Behind Gandapur Resigns

In his address, Gandapur described his resignation as an act taken on the direction of Imran Khan. He affirmed confidence in Sohail Afridi, confirming that he would offer his full backing and assistance. Despite stepping away from office, Gandapur vowed that PTI members would remain aligned in pushing forward the founder’s vision and policies.

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Earlier, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja had already validated reports of Gandapur resigns, stating that the founder ordered a transition in leadership. Raja said that Afridi had been nominated as CM and that Gandapur resigns accordingly. He framed this as a strategic move made in Gandapur’s “best interest,” and expressed certainty that the provincial assembly would swiftly elect Afridi as the next CM.

Raja also flagged an urgent need to unveil a new policy and initiate a “fresh start” for KP. He described the current wave of terrorism in the province as alarming, attributing it to flawed federal policies such as the forced expulsion of Afghan nationals. The PTI leader singled out the previous foreign minister for inaction, stating he “never visited Afghanistan” during his term.

Raja insisted that the only path to staving off terrorism is dialogue and negotiation — a stance that contrasts with hardline crackdowns. He additionally alluded to legal harassment faced by PTI circles, citing cases against Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and suggesting that “Noreen Khan” may carry the founder’s message forward.

Internal Tensions and Rumors of Rift

The Gandapur resigns from the CM’s office comes amid reported internal tension within PTI. Recently, Gandapur and Aleema Khan engaged in public barbs, with accusations being hurled regarding internal sabotage. In an effort to prevent further public discord, Imran Khan directed both Gandapur and his sister to avoid making statements.

Gandapur had previously complained about vloggers allegedly promoting Aleema Khan for more prominent roles within PTI. He claimed he warned the founder about such campaigns and alleged complicity from Hafeezullah Niazi, a relative of Imran Khan.

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Political analyst Shahzeb Khanzada suggested these friction points were not new. He commented that Aleema Khan’s influence appeared to have grown and had clashed with Gandapur’s standing. According to Khanzada, rumors about Gandapur resigns had circulated for some time, fueled by persistent intra-party friction.Read more.

 What’s Next for KP Politics?

With Gandapur resigns now a reality, the provincial assembly is expected to move quickly to elect Afridi as the next chief minister. PTI leadership is likely to push a renewed narrative, with promises of reformed policy, strategic adjustments, and renewed unity.

The shakeup may reflect deeper currents within PTI — balancing founder authority, factional influence (notably by Aleema Khan), and regional leadership. Gandapur’s capitulation may mark a recalibration of internal power dynamics.

On the governance side, Afridi will inherit institutions already under strain: escalating terrorism, public discontent over federal migration policies, and scrutiny over the region’s security. The new CM will be watched closely for how he recalibrates KP’s approach to federal relations and counterterrorism strategy.

Overall, Gandapur resigns underscores the central role of Imran Khan in PTI’s decision-making, the continuing tension between party factions, and uncertainty about how the newly empowered leadership will steer KP’s future. newscloud.pk will continue to monitor developments closely.

FAQs

1. Why did Gandapur resign?
   He resigned on the instruction of PTI founder Imran Khan and to pave the way for the party’s chosen nominee, Sohail Afridi.
2. Who is Sohail Afridi?
   Sohail Afridi is a PTI MPA nominated as the successor to become the next Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
3. What internal tensions existed within PTI?
   Tensions involved public exchanges between Gandapur and Aleema Khan, accusations of factionalism, and concerns about growing influence of vloggers and internal candidates.
4. What challenges will the new CM face?
   Afridi will navigate escalating terrorism, strained centre–province relations, migration policy disputes, and expectations for party unity.
5. How will this affect PTI’s direction in KP?
   The change signals a consolidation of power around Imran Khan’s inner circle, renewed strategic focus, and possible shifts in governance style.