The founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has decided to change the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He has instructed the removal of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from his position. In his stead, Sohail Afridi has been nominated as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to media reports, PTI sources have confirmed that this decision follows recent orders from Imran Khan to the party leadership while he is incarcerated. There have been ongoing concerns within the party about Ali Amin Gandapur’s performance, as well as some of his administrative decisions, which have prompted this change.
Imran Khan has directed the senior leadership of the party to immediately remove Gandapur from his role and to take necessary steps in the provincial assembly to facilitate the election of Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister.
The PTI leadership asserts that Sohail Afridi is one of the cleaner and more effective administrators within the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has previously held significant administrative roles in the provincial government and is regarded as closely aligned with the party leadership. Imran Khan has expressed full confidence in Afridi and has approved his nomination.
Ali Amin Gandapur, who was appointed as Chief Minister in March 2024, has faced criticism from party leadership in recent months due to his deviation from party policy and several controversial statements. Sources indicate that concerns have been raised regarding his leadership, particularly about governance and law and order issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Party sources also report that consultations and lobbying will commence in the coming days to change the parliamentary leader in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and to elect Sohail Afridi as the new leader of the house. Should the required majority be achieved, Sohail Afridi will take the oath of office as the new Chief Minister of the province.
