Salman Akram Raja Reveals the Real Reason Behind Ali Amin Gandapur’s Removal

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has confirmed that Ali Amin Gandapur is being removed from his position as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing deteriorating security conditions and a need for new leadership in the province.

Speaking to the media, Raja stated that the decision was made by PTI’s founding chairman, who has nominated Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister. “This is the Chairman’s decision, and the reasons have been explained,” he said. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing the worst wave of terrorism. Today, our soldiers and officers were martyred in Orakzai. The provincial government was advised to distance itself from the federal government’s flawed policies.”

Raja criticized the way the federal authorities handled the deportation of Afghan nationals, calling it unnecessary. He added that during Bilawal Bhutto’s tenure as foreign minister, he never visited Afghanistan even once, which contributed to poor coordination on cross-border security issues.

“The only way to end terrorism is through dialogue,” Raja emphasized. “We expect Sohail Afridi to guide the federal government and help shape a more effective strategy.”

He further noted that PTI’s founder had directed Ali Amin Gandapur to resign voluntarily. “It’s better for him to step down gracefully as we prepare to announce a new policy and begin a fresh chapter,” Raja said. He assured that Gandapur’s resignation would be followed by the assembly’s formal election of Sohail Afridi as the new Chief Minister.

Addressing rumors linking the decision to the Cipher case, Raja clarified that the move was unrelated. “The Cipher case has already collapsed. This decision has nothing to do with it,” he said.

Raja also mentioned that PTI leader Aleema Khan has faced multiple cases, and the party’s founder now believes that Noreen Khanum will take on a greater role in communicating the party’s message.

Earlier, PTI sources had revealed that the leadership had decided to replace Gandapur, while Bushra Bibi’s lawyer, Rai Suleman, also confirmed the move. However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claimed he had not yet received any official notification regarding the decision.

Reacting to the news, Ali Amin Gandapur stated that he had not been formally informed but would comply with any directive from the party. “The Chief Minister’s position is a trust given by the party and the founder. If I am asked to step down, I will do so immediately,” he said.

The development marks a significant reshuffle within PTI’s provincial leadership, as the party prepares to announce a “new policy direction” for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid ongoing security and political challenges.

Source: Web Desk