ISLAMABAD, Oct 8, 2025: PTI on Wednesday announced the removal of Ali Amin Gandapur from his position as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Suhail Afridi has been appointed as his successor and is expected to assume office shortly.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said that PTI founder Imran Khan made the decision, citing the deteriorating security situation in the province as a key reason for the change. He highlighted that earlier today in Orakzai, security forces personnel and officers were martyred, and criticized the provincial government for failing to distance itself from federal policy missteps.
Raja also addressed the handling of Afghan refugees, stating that their deportation was unnecessary, and criticized past foreign policy inaction. He emphasized that ending terrorism requires dialogue and expressed confidence that Afridi will guide the provincial government effectively while safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
Raja confirmed that Imran Khan instructed Gandapur to resign and added that the provincial assembly will formally elect Afridi as the new Chief Minister without complications.
Who is Suhail Afridi?
Suhail Afridi, a member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, hails from District Khyber. Born on July 12, 1989, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Afridi made his political debut in 2024 when he was elected as MPA from PK-70 (Khyber-II) during the February general elections.
Initially contesting as an independent candidate, Afridi joined PTI after his victory. He was first appointed Special Assistant for Communications and Construction and was later promoted to a full minister with the portfolio of Higher Education in a recent cabinet reshuffle.
Afridi’s rapid rise — from an independent candidate to cabinet minister — highlights his growing influence within PTI. Political analysts note that the coming days will be crucial for the party as it navigates internal rivalries and debates over provincial leadership.
Earlier, Gandapur had stated that he had not received any formal notification to leave office but affirmed that he would step down when instructed, emphasizing that the Chief Minister’s position is a trust of the party and of Imran Khan.