Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi rejected the resignation of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, citing inconsistent signatures on two submitted letters. Kundi requested Gandapur’s presence at the Governor’s House on October 15 at 3:00 p.m. to verify the documents.
Gandapur insists that he submitted his resignation on October 8 and claims both letters feature verified signatures. Despite legal uncertainty, the KP Assembly will elect a new chief minister on October 13 at 10 a.m.
The assembly cleared the nomination papers of four candidates: Sohail Afridi (PTI), Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI-F), Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan (PPP). Dr. Ibadullah and other opposition leaders continue to consult in hopes of fielding a joint candidate, needing to secure 73 votes in the 145-member assembly for victory..
New twist in the KP CM’s resignation!
The Governor of KP has asked the Chief Minister to appear in person on October 15 to submit his resignation, as the signatures didn’t match. So far, the resignation has been rejected. Drama continues. pic.twitter.com/GNaA5EQwJR
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) October 12, 2025PTI’s Naim Haider Panjutha called the governor’s objection an “unlawful overreach,” arguing the constitution grants no such veto power. “Gandapur submitted a written resignation and video statement,” he said, confident Afridi will win. However, legal experts warn that without the governor’s acceptance, the CM post isn’t vacant, risking a constitutional crisis. “The election could be invalid,” a senior lawyer noted, citing past PTI resignation disputes.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam criticized PTI’s haste, suggesting fear of defections. Analysts warn internal PTI divisions and legal oversights could delay or block Afridi’s election, destabilizing KP’s governance.
The rejection of Gandapur’s resignation and rushed election threaten KP’s political stability. A legal battle could deepen PTI’s internal rifts and disrupt governance.
