Gandapur Denies Imran Khan Sought His Resignation as K-P CM

Download IPFS

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Ali Amin Gandapur has firmly rejected media reports claiming that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan demanded his resignation over governance and security challenges, asserting his unwavering loyalty to Khan’s leadership.

On August 3, 2025, Gandapur’s office issued a statement dismissing speculations that Imran Khan, currently detained at Adiala Jail, had called for his resignation as Chief Minister due to rising terrorism in K-P. The reports, circulated by outlets like Geo News, alleged Khan’s dissatisfaction with Gandapur’s handling of 476 terror incidents in 2025, which resulted in 121 civilian deaths, according to K-P police data. Faraz Mughal, the Chief Minister’s spokesperson, clarified to The Express Tribune that no such directive came from Khan, emphasizing that Gandapur’s position is rooted in Khan’s trust. Mughal stressed that Gandapur would resign only if instructed by Khan himself.

Gandapur addressed the rumors directly, telling The News that he continues to govern with Khan’s full support and the PTI’s mandate. He highlighted ongoing peace initiatives, including tribal jirgas launched on August 2, 2025, to address unrest in K-P’s tribal districts, as part of Khan’s vision for stability. The Chief Minister noted restricted access to Khan at Adiala Jail, despite court orders granting visitation rights, raising concerns about legal violations, as reported by Dawn. Gandapur also refuted claims that Khan planned to leave Pakistan, calling them “malicious attempts” to undermine PTI’s unity, per Pakistan Today.

The K-P government’s statement criticized media narratives as efforts to destabilize PTI’s stronghold in the province, particularly amid security challenges linked to the Taliban’s 2021 resurgence in Afghanistan. Gandapur outlined proactive measures, including dialogues with Afghan authorities to curb cross-border militancy, and emphasized the provincial government’s focus on governance and public welfare. Rescue operations and infrastructure restoration continue in flood-affected K-P areas, with Rs440 million allocated for immediate relief, according to Mughal’s statement to ARY News. The government urged the public to rely on verified sources and reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to Khan’s leadership and K-P’s stability.