Ali Amin Gandapur resigned as the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following a directive from PTI leader Imran Khan [2].
The leadership change follows a period of instability within the provincial government, marked by a reported rift between Gandapur and other senior leaders. This shift in power signals a reorganization of the party's influence in one of Pakistan's most strategically important regions.
Prior to the resignation, Gandapur's security detail was withdrawn on Feb. 24, 2026 [1]. This move occurred amid a growing political conflict between Gandapur and the provincial leadership [1]. The withdrawal of security for a high-ranking official often indicates a loss of political favor or a breakdown in institutional support.
Sohail Afridi has been named as the successor to the chief minister's office [2]. The transition comes as the party seeks to stabilize its administration in the province after the internal friction that led to Gandapur's departure [2].
The directive for the resignation came directly from Imran Khan, who maintains significant control over the party's decision-making processes [2]. While the specific details of the rift remain internal, the rapid succession of events — from the removal of security to the formal resignation — suggests a decisive move by the party leadership to reset the provincial government.
Officials said they have not provided further details regarding the specific nature of the disagreements that precipitated the security withdrawal on Feb. 24, 2026 [1]. However, the appointment of Afridi marks a new chapter for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration as it navigates ongoing political pressures.
“Ali Amin Gandapur resigned as the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following a directive from PTI leader Imran Khan.”
The replacement of Ali Amin Gandapur with Sohail Afridi demonstrates Imran Khan's continued authority over provincial governance and the party's willingness to purge leadership to resolve internal rifts. The prior withdrawal of security suggests that the administrative machinery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already pivoted away from Gandapur before his formal resignation, indicating a coordinated effort to shift power.
