Imran Khan Reshapes PTI’s Provincial Leadership Amid Internal Tensions and Policy Disputes
In a surprising turn of political events, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced his resignation — a move that has sent ripples through Pakistan’s political landscape. Acting upon direct instructions from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Gandapur stated that his decision to step down was in the greater interest of party unity and future strategy.
“I am resigning from the office of chief minister on the instructions of our party founder,” Gandapur confirmed in an official statement issued Wednesday.
Imran Khan’s Strategic Recalibration
According to PTI’s Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, the change in KP’s leadership was a well-considered move directed personally by Imran Khan from Adiala Jail.
“It is correct that Ali Amin Gandapur is being removed from the office of chief minister,” Raja told reporters in Rawalpindi.“Sohail Afridi has been nominated as the new chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This decision comes directly from the party founder.”
The PTI leadership described the reshuffle as a step toward a “new policy and a fresh beginning” — an effort to stabilize the party’s internal politics and strengthen its provincial governance.
Sohail Afridi — The New Face of PTI in KP
Sohail Afridi, the Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Khyber District, has been chosen to replace Gandapur. PTI insiders view Afridi as a calm, loyal, and consensus-driven figure who can bridge divides within the party ranks and manage the increasingly complex security and administrative challenges facing the province.
Expressing confidence in Afridi’s leadership, Salman Raja said:
“We expect Sohail Afridi to guide and advise the federal government on matters of national security and policy. His leadership will mark a new chapter for PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Afridi’s appointment is being hailed as a symbolic return to the roots of PTI’s politics — centered on party discipline, collective decision-making, and loyalty to the founder’s vision.
Behind the Resignation: Rift Within PTI’s Top Leadership
Gandapur’s resignation, while presented as a disciplined party decision, comes against the backdrop of mounting internal friction within PTI. Over recent months, visible cracks appeared between Ali Amin Gandapur and Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister.
The dispute became public when Gandapur, in a video message, alleged that certain “vloggers” were being used to promote Aleema Khan as the next PTI chairperson and potential prime minister. Gandapur further claimed that columnist Hafeezullah Niazi, a relative of Imran Khan, was writing articles portraying Aleema in that light.
The controversy deepened when Gandapur accused Aleema Khan of not stopping these campaigns and instead supporting narratives undermining his leadership.
Sources close to PTI revealed that the rift reached Imran Khan’s attention, prompting the founder to intervene. He reportedly instructed both Gandapur and Aleema to cease all public statements and refocus on party unity.
However, political observers believe that the damage was already done — and that Gandapur’s resignation reflects the growing influence of Aleema Khan within PTI’s top hierarchy.
Imran Khan’s Message: Discipline, Loyalty, and Renewal
The PTI founder’s decision to remove one of his most outspoken and loyal chief ministers underscores his commitment to maintaining party discipline.
Insiders report that Imran Khan, despite being incarcerated, remains deeply involved in PTI’s strategic decisions — from selecting provincial leaders to outlining policy directions.
A senior PTI source said:
“Imran Khan wants to rebrand PTI as a party that prioritizes governance over personality. The leadership change in KP is part of a larger effort to project internal cohesion ahead of upcoming political challenges.”
Salman Raja also hinted at upcoming major policy announcements and a new organizational strategy under the slogan “Naya Safar, Nayi Soch” (A New Journey, A New Vision).
Security and Policy Differences in KP
Beyond the internal rifts, there were policy disagreements between Gandapur and the PTI central leadership — particularly concerning counterterrorism strategies and the handling of Afghan nationals in the province.
Salman Raja, while speaking to journalists, criticized the federal government’s approach toward the expulsion of Afghan refugees, calling it “inhumane and counterproductive.”
“The way Afghan nationals were expelled was unnecessary,” Raja said.“The PTI believes that terrorism can only be eradicated through dialogue, not through displacement and hostility.”
The new chief minister, Sohail Afridi, is expected to align provincial policies more closely with Imran Khan’s long-held belief in negotiation-based security solutions.
PTI’s Path Forward: Rebuilding and Regaining Momentum
Following Gandapur’s exit, PTI appears to be entering a phase of restructuring. With leadership changes underway, party officials are working on strategies to reconnect with grassroots supporters, rebuild unity among factions, and counter political pressure from the ruling coalition at the federal level.
Insiders also claim that Imran Khan’s next political message — expected to be released through party channels in the coming days — will focus on reconciliation, discipline, and political resistance.
Meanwhile, Gandapur, in his farewell message, made it clear that he remains a staunch loyalist of Imran Khan.
“I have served the party with sincerity and will continue to support Imran Khan’s mission. PTI’s struggle is for Pakistan’s future, and I will always be part of that journey,” he said.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political observers see Gandapur’s resignation as both a purge and a power realignment within PTI. It signals Imran Khan’s intent to tighten control over provincial affairs, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — a region that has long been PTI’s political stronghold.
Analysts believe the party’s next challenge will be to maintain unity amid personality clashes and deliver effective governance in a province facing rising terrorism threats, economic hardship, and administrative fatigue.
“PTI cannot afford internal divisions at a time when the country is going through political and economic uncertainty,” said senior journalist Mazhar Abbas.“Imran Khan’s message is clear — loyalty above everything else.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins in KP
Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation marks the end of a fiery, controversial, and eventful tenure as KP’s chief minister. His replacement, Sohail Afridi, represents a strategic shift toward calm leadership, party cohesion, and policy recalibration.
As PTI navigates this transition, one thing is clear — Imran Khan remains firmly in charge, pulling the strings of power even from confinement. His command continues to shape the party’s direction, signaling that the story of PTI’s internal politics is far from over.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Sohail Afridi’s leadership can bridge divides, restore stability, and uphold the legacy of PTI’s provincial governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.