Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as the party president of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), appointing Junaid Akbar Khan. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja confirmed the change, stating it was at Gandapur’s request to focus on his chief ministerial duties amid governance challenges, such as law and order.
The move follows reports of growing divisions within PTI. Gandapur accused Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, of collaborating with agencies, while Aleema countered him. Khan expressed reservations over provincial governance and party affairs under Gandapur’s administration. Political analyst Shahzeb Khanzada noted, “Aleema Khan seems to have prevailed,” adding that tensions with Gandapur and Khan aren’t new.
Recent corruption allegations in KP, including a Rs 40 billion scam in Upper Kohistan, have intensified scrutiny. Khan gave Gandapur a 45-day deadline in January to curb corruption, but investigations revealed irregularities in solar schemes and health budgets.
Read: Ali Amin Gandapur Accuses Aleema Khan of Dividing PTI
Gandapur remains KP chief minister, sworn in on March 2, 2024. His tenure was marked by initiatives such as the KP Solar Scheme for 130,000 households and the Ehsaas welfare programs. However, projects stalled due to bureaucratic hurdles and procurement violations, per reports.
The reshuffle highlights the PTI’s internal struggles following the 2024 elections. Gandapur’s ouster from party presidency, announced via PTV in September 2024, broke tradition. Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan denied knowledge of the decision, while Bushra Bibi’s lawyer confirmed Gandapur’s removal. Ministers like Faisal Khan Tarakai and Aqibullah Khan resigned in September, citing mistrust that had been growing since Junaid Akbar’s appointment in January.
This leadership change signals PTI’s efforts to consolidate amid political unrest. As KP’s government faces accountability, it could impact PTI’s provincial strategy.
 replaces Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as KP party president with Junaid Akbar Khan amid internal rifts.){kind=link}