Conflicting claims emerge over CM Gandapur’s resignation

PESHAWAR
Confusion continues to surround the reported resignation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, as contradictory statements have emerged from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Governor House, and senior PTI leadership.
Sources within the Chief Minister’s Secretariat claimed that Gandapur’s resignation was formally sent to the Governor House a day earlier.
“We have dispatched the resignation; it is now up to the Governor House to proceed according to constitutional procedure,” the sources said.
However, Governor House officials denied receiving any such document.
“Where is the resignation? We have no knowledge of it,” one official stated, adding that the resignation of a Chief Minister must be submitted in a formal manner through a summary, not merely a written note.
They further said only the Chief Minister’s Secretariat could clarify to whom the resignation was handed over.
“As soon as the resignation is officially received, it will be dealt with as per the law,” the Governor House added.
Amid the uncertainty, senior PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram stepped in, sharing a photo of the resignation document.
He claimed the Governor House staff received the resignation at 10:57 PM after coordination with the Governor’s Military Secretary, with formal acknowledgment at 11:45 PM.
Despite these assertions, the absence of an official confirmation from the Governor’s office has kept the situation murky, raising speculation about the political future of the province.
Separately, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed that he had stepped down from office on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan.
In a public statement, he said, “I have resigned from the post of Chief Minister on the orders of Imran Khan. The position was an honor, but I am stepping aside in obedience to the party’s leadership.”
Gandapur expressed full support for Sohail Afridi, who is expected to be nominated as the new Chief Minister. “Sohail Afridi has my complete support.
Together, we will continue the struggle for Imran Khan’s release and the implementation of party policies,” he added.
In his written resignation, Gandapur reflected on his tenure, stating that he took office during a time of serious financial and security challenges.
“Over the last one and a half years, I led the province toward financial stability, took bold steps against terrorism, and launched key development projects under the guidance of Imran Khan,” he noted.
He thanked the party leadership, cabinet, assembly members, workers, and the provincial bureaucracy for their cooperation. “Despite all challenges, I served the people sincerely and always prioritized the national interest,” he added.