Imran Khan Axes Gandapur, Names Sohail Afridi as New KP Chief Minister

Sahir Baloch

Peshawar: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Amin Gandapur resigned as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister on Wednesday, shortly after party officials confirmed that PTI founder Imran Khan had directed his removal and named Sohail Afridi as his successor.

“The position of chief minister was Imran Khan sahib’s amaanat (trust), and as per his order, I am returning that trust and submitting my resignation,” Gandapur said in a Facebook post, which was later deleted.

The announcement came moments after PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja told reporters outside Adiala Jail that the decision was final.

“It is correct that Ali Amin Gandapur is being removed from the office of chief minister. Sohail Afridi has been nominated as the new chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Raja confirmed.

Raja said the decision followed detailed consultations with Imran Khan, who personally “explained the background” and ordered that the change be made public.

Security and Political Context

Raja cited deteriorating security in KP as a key reason behind the move, describing it as “the worst wave of terrorism in recent years.”

“Imran Khan is deeply saddened by the recent Orakzai attack,” Raja said. “He believes there is no choice left but to replace the KP chief minister.”

He added that Khan had instructed the provincial government to distance itself from federal policies, particularly regarding the expulsion of Afghan refugees, which the PTI founder called “unnecessary and counterproductive.”

Raja also criticised former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for “failing to engage with Afghanistan” during his tenure, saying, “He never visited Kabul in over a year as foreign minister.”

Who Is Sohail Afridi?

The incoming nominee, Sohail Afridi, is a first-time MPA from Khyber district (PK-70) and will be the first chief minister from the former tribal areas since their merger with KP.

A long-time PTI loyalist, Afridi previously served as Provincial Minister for Higher Education and earlier as Special Assistant to the CM on Communication and Works.

“We expect Sohail Afridi to guide and advise the federal government and to implement Imran Khan’s vision for peace in the region,” Raja said.

Internal Rifts and Aleema Khan Feud

The leadership shake-up follows months of internal friction within PTI, particularly between Gandapur and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan.

Sources said tensions escalated after Gandapur accused Aleema of trying to “hijack the party” with the establishment’s backing — a claim she denied, counter-alleging that the chief minister was misleading Imran Khan.

Raja, however, downplayed suggestions that the removal stemmed from the feud, insisting,

“Imran Khan has expressed good intentions for Ali Amin. He believes it is also in Gandapur’s interest to step aside and continue political work for the people of KP.”

Political analysts described the move as part of Imran’s broader effort to reassert control over the party’s provincial ranks and project unity ahead of a new PTI policy rollout.

PTI Leadership Response

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking to reporters in Islamabad, said Gandapur would submit his formal resignation to KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday.

“Khan’s instructions will be acted on immediately. There is no forward bloc in PTI — everyone remains loyal to the founder,” Gohar said.

He added that the PTI still holds a two-thirds majority in the KP Assembly and that Afridi’s election as chief minister would proceed smoothly.

“Ali Amin has worked day and night for the province. He leaves with the respect and confidence of his party,” Gohar noted.

Looking Ahead

Party insiders say Imran Khan expects Afridi’s leadership to mark “a new beginning” for the province — emphasizing dialogue, tribal engagement, and independent policymaking from Islamabad.

“Khan sahib’s direction is clear: the KP government must now pursue peace through wisdom and negotiation,” Raja said. “Sohail Afridi has been chosen to deliver that vision.”