RAWALPINDI — A major political shake-up appears to be brewing within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as reports suggest that the party’s founder has decided to remove Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from his position.
According to reliable sources, the decision stems from growing differences between Ali Amin Gandapur and Aleema Khanum, which have reportedly deepened over the past few weeks. The PTI founder, currently held at Adiala Jail, is said to have issued instructions to senior party members and legal advisers regarding Gandapur’s removal.
Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Rai Suleman, has confirmed the development, saying that the PTI founder personally communicated the decision to dismiss Gandapur from his post.
Sources further revealed that Sohail Afridi, a senior PTI member from the Khyber district a region merged into KP from the former FATA has emerged as the leading contender for the Chief Minister’s position. Afridi’s name, they added, was placed at the top of the list of potential replacements.
This internal move follows an increasingly tense atmosphere within PTI’s ranks. Just a day earlier, a heated discussion reportedly took place during a parliamentary party meeting, where several lawmakers voiced concerns over internal grouping and widening rifts within the party.
Some members pushed for reconciliation between Aleema Khanum and Ali Amin Gandapur, urging unity at a time when the party faces mounting political challenges. Others, however, expressed frustration over the recent removal of two provincial ministers, calling it a sign of deepening factional divides.
As of now, there has been no official statement from PTI’s central leadership regarding the reported decision. However, if confirmed, the removal of Gandapur known for his aggressive political style and loyal following could mark one of the most significant internal power shifts in PTI’s recent history.
The situation remains fluid, with political observers keeping a close watch on how the party’s leadership manages this growing internal turmoil.
