In a significant political development, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has announced his resignation from office, citing direct instructions from the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The announcement, made on Tuesday in Islamabad, marks a major shift in the province’s political landscape and within PTI’s internal power dynamics.

In his official statement, Gandapur said, “I am resigning from the position of Chief Minister on the orders of our party’s founder. I have always stood by his vision and will continue to do so.” He further added that Sohail Afridi would have his “complete support and confidence” going forward. Gandapur reaffirmed his loyalty to PTI’s leadership, emphasizing that party members must “stand united for the founder’s release and for the implementation of PTI’s core policies.”

The announcement followed days of speculation and internal discussions within PTI leadership circles. Earlier, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja had confirmed to the media that a decision had been made to remove Gandapur from the chief minister’s position as part of the party’s reorganization efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to party insiders, the move is believed to be part of a broader restructuring strategy aimed at revitalizing PTI’s provincial governance and aligning it more closely with the central leadership’s political objectives. Sources suggest that the party founder, who remains a dominant influence despite his incarceration, has been directly involved in key decisions concerning both the federal and provincial leadership teams.

Ali Amin Gandapur, a long-time PTI loyalist and prominent political figure from Dera Ismail Khan, was appointed Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after PTI’s strong performance in the 2024 provincial elections. Known for his outspoken personality and fierce defense of party policies, Gandapur maintained a visible presence in both provincial politics and national discourse.

His resignation is expected to trigger a new phase of political maneuvering within the province, as PTI works to finalize a successor and maintain its majority in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Party sources have hinted that Sohail Afridi, a senior PTI leader with close ties to the central leadership, may be nominated as the next chief minister—though formal confirmation is still awaited.

Analysts view Gandapur’s resignation as a reflection of ongoing internal adjustments within PTI, which has been grappling with challenges following the arrest of its founder and the reshaping of its organizational framework. Political observers note that while the move may temporarily unsettle PTI’s provincial administration, it could also consolidate loyalty around the party’s central figure, reinforcing his authority.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have called for transparency in the transition process, with some urging the Election Commission and provincial assembly to ensure due constitutional procedure in the appointment of the next chief minister.