PESHAWAR/RAWALPINDI — October 8, 2025 — In a major political development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced today that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has resigned from his post on the direct instruction of party founder Imran Khan. PTI has nominated Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the decision to the media outside Adiala Jail, stating that Gandapur’s removal was ordered by Imran Khan in response to the “worsening” security situation in the province and the need for a change in policy direction.
The Directive and Reasons for the Change
According to PTI Secretary General Raja, the primary reasons for the swift leadership change were:
- Deteriorating Security Situation: Imran Khan reportedly expressed deep sadness and concern over the spike in terrorism and a recent “major attack on the military” in KP, specifically mentioning the security personnel lives lost in Orakzai. Khan held Gandapur responsible for the prevailing circumstances.
- Policy Divergence: The PTI founder wants the provincial government to distance itself from what he termed the “flawed policies” of the federal government, particularly regarding the handling of Afghan nationals and counter-terrorism. Raja stated that Afridi is expected to adopt a “clear and independent policy” and guide the federal government on establishing peace based on Khan’s vision, which emphasizes dialogue and involving tribal areas and the Afghan government.
- Internal Party Matters: The change follows a period of public discord, including a recent spat between CM Gandapur and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, though PTI leadership has downplayed this as the deciding factor.
Ali Amin Gandapur, who took office in March 2024, confirmed his resignation via a statement on his official social media, stating: “The role of the chief minister was Imran Khan sahib’s amaanat (entrustment), and as per his order, I am returning his amaanat and submitting my resignation.” He also vowed his full support for the incoming Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi.
Who is Sohail Afridi?
The incoming Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, is a first-time MPA who has quickly risen through the party ranks:
- Constituency: He was elected from PK-70 (Khyber-II), making him the first Chief Minister from the Khyber district since its merger with KP.
- Background: Afridi, born in 1989, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and is a businessman by profession.
- PTI Service: He is a long-time PTI activist who previously headed the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) in the KP chapter.
- Government Role: In the current provincial setup, he served as Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Communication and Works, and was later appointed Provincial Minister for Higher Education.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also affirmed the decision, emphasizing Imran Khan’s ultimate authority as the “captain” of the party. He confirmed that Gandapur will submit his resignation to the Governor shortly, and that the PTI’s overwhelming majority in the KP Assembly will ensure Afridi’s smooth election as the new Chief Minister.
The leadership change is seen as a strategic move by the incarcerated PTI founder to recalibrate the party’s governance strategy and policy stance, particularly on critical security and border issues, as it enters a new chapter of provincial administration
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