Peshawar, 9 October 2025 — In a dramatic move, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stood by his resignation, declaring that he will not return to office even if directed by PTI founder Imran Khan. Gandapur insisted the province’s governance must continue unaffected by turbulence at the center.

He appealed to party leadership and the government to expedite acceptance of his resignation so administrative work is not derailed. According to Gandapur, KP faces serious challenges requiring uninterrupted governance, and his decision is rooted in ensuring stability rather than political gamesmanship.

“There is improvement in every area of governance, and this step too will prove beneficial in the long run,” he said, emphasizing that the PTI remains united and without internal fracture.

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Politics, Strongholds & Alleged Conspiracies

Gandapur reaffirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains PTI’s stronghold, pointing to the party’s consistent resilience in the province.

“We have always stood firm and challenged our opponents with political strength,” he said, pledging full support for the party’s next chief ministerial nominee.

At the same time, he leveled accusations of conspiracy against the federal government, claiming machinations behind his resignation attempt.

“Our legal team is reviewing the matter of my resignation. The conspirators are playing a game around this issue, but we will foil their plans,” he warned.

Despite the tensions, Gandapur made clear his loyalty: “Whatever they do, I have resigned.”

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Why This Resignation Matters

1. Governance at Risk

KP is confronting issues like development funding, security, flood rehabilitation, and public service delivery. A prolonged leadership vacuum could slow decision-making and project continuity.

2. Party Stability & Messaging

A sitting CM refusing to return even at the founder’s direction signals deep internal conviction. It also pressures PTI’s leadership to take a stance: either honor the decision or engineer a compromise.

3. Power Dynamics with Center

Gandapur’s mention of “conspiracy” suggests friction between provincial and federal centers of power. How Islamabad responds—whether through pressure, negotiation, or intervention—might reshape center-province relations within PTI’s domain.

4. Legal & Institutional Questions

The legality of his resignation, the process of acceptance, and the constitutionality of any reversal may become litigated. Courts may be asked to pronounce on whether a resigned chief minister can be reinstated without fresh election or party process.