Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed a major political reshuffle in his party’s provincial leadership, replacing Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with Sohail Afridi, a young legislator from the Khyber tribal district.

The announcement was made by Salman Akram Raja, Secretary General of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), after meeting Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where the ex-premier is serving a 14-year prison sentence in a corruption case.

Gandapur Steps Down on Khan’s Orders

Ali Amin Gandapur, who has held the top provincial post since February 2024 after PTI’s sweeping victory in the KP elections, confirmed his resignation through a short message on social media.

> “The position of chief minister was an amaanat (trust) from Imran Khan sahib. As per his directive, I am returning that amaanat and resigning,” Gandapur said.

PTI’s official social media handle also verified the news, stating that Gandapur’s resignation came “in accordance with the direction of Chairman Imran Khan.”

Sohail Afridi Named New Chief Minister

In line with Khan’s instructions, Sohail Afridi has been nominated as the new Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur assured full support for his successor, pledging to work together for the province’s stability and development.

Decision Linked to Rising Security Concerns

Addressing a media briefing, PTI’s Salman Akram Raja said the decision was made personally by Imran Khan, who expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the province.

> “There has been an alarming rise in terrorism in KP this year. The number of attacks and the lives lost have reached record levels. Khan sahib was deeply troubled by this situation and decided that a leadership change was necessary,” Raja explained.

Internal Party Rift Preceded the Change

The development comes shortly after Gandapur publicly accused Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, of attempting to take control of the PTI “in collaboration with intelligence agencies,” a claim that stirred controversy within party ranks.

Despite being behind bars since August 2023, Imran Khan remains active in guiding party affairs. He continues to reject the numerous charges against him — including corruption and terrorism — as politically motivated and “baseless.”