Why Did Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Gandapur Resign on Imran Khan's Orders?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ali Amin Gandapur resigns as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM.
- Resignation follows Imran Khan's directive.
- New CM, Sohail Afridi, expected to lead.
- Internal conflicts within PTI are being addressed.
- Gandapur warns against vloggers causing party divisions.
Islamabad, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, announced his resignation on Wednesday, following directives from Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to local media reports.
In making this announcement, Gandapur expressed his intention to fully support the incoming Chief Minister and continue his efforts for the province under the direction of PTI's leadership, as stated by Samaa TV, a prominent media outlet in Pakistan.
“I am resigning from the chief ministership at the request of PTI's founder. I will stand by the new CM in every possible way,” Gandapur was reported to have said by provincial media.
This decision follows a series of internal discussions within PTI leadership, which resolved to implement changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial administration to bolster governance in line with the party's objectives.
Sources within the party have revealed that Imran Khan personally requested Gandapur to resign, aiming to facilitate a smooth leadership transition and ensure that PTI’s provincial government remains stable and focused.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja announced that Sohail Afridi has been designated as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Raja noted that Imran Khan had asked Gandapur to step down for his own benefit, as reported by The News International, a Pakistani news outlet. “We anticipate that Sohail Afridi will provide guidance and advice to the federal government on these matters,” Raja added.
This development occurs amidst reports of internal conflicts within PTI, with both Gandapur and Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, recently exchanging allegations. To ease tensions, Imran Khan has instructed both parties to refrain from making public statements, according to The News International.
Previously, Gandapur had cautioned Imran Khan about vloggers attempting to sow discord within PTI while promoting Aleema Khan as a potential leader within the party.
In a video message shared on social media, Gandapur accused Aleema Khan of failing to rein in these vloggers, who actively supported their campaign. He informed Imran Khan that columnist Hafeezullah Niazi, a relative of Khan, was writing articles positioning Aleema Khan as PTI's chairperson and potential Prime Minister.