Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) drives forward a major political shake-up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the provincial assembly schedules the election of a new chief minister for Monday, October 13, 2025. This development follows the resignation of current Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who stepped down last week at the direct order of PTI founder Imran Khan. Consequently, PTI nominated MPA Sohail Afridi as its candidate, positioning him to potentially become the first chief minister from the province’s former tribal areas.

Gandapur announced his resignation on October 8, 2025, emphasizing loyalty to Khan’s vision during a challenging tenure marked by rising security threats and internal party dynamics. “The chief minister’s role was a trust from Imran Khan Sahib, and I return it as per his instructions,” Gandapur stated publicly, underscoring his commitment to party unity.

Moreover, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja clarified that the move aims to inject fresh energy into governance, particularly amid escalating terrorism concerns in KP. Raja highlighted Khan’s rationale: the province demands stronger leadership to counter federal policies and foster stability.

Initially, bureaucratic hurdles delayed the process, as Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s office took time to verify Gandapur’s handwritten resignation letter, dated October 11 and delivered that afternoon. However, Kundi confirmed receipt on Saturday, October 11, paving the way for constitutional formalities under Article 130 of Pakistan’s Constitution.

Thus, the KP Assembly Speaker invoked Rule 31(b) to convene the session at 10 a.m. on Monday, advancing it from its original October 20 date. PTI holds a clear majority with over 90 seats in the 145-member house, ensuring Afridi’s likely victory without opposition interference.