Two K-P ministers resign amid signs of PTI rifts

In a surprise development, two provincial ministers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resigned from the cabinet on Tuesday, deepening speculation of growing divisions within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Provincial Irrigation Minister Aqibullah Khan, brother of former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and Education Minister Faisal Tarakai, brother of former provincial minister Shahram Khan Tarakai, tendered their resignations to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Both ministers also released their resignations on social media, with PTI insiders confirming that the search for their replacements has already begun.

Reports of cabinet reshuffles had circulated for weeks, with insiders suggesting changes were tied to CM Gandapur's meeting with the PTI founding chairman, Imran Khan. A day after their meeting, the resignations of Aqibullah and Faisal Tarakai surfaced.

Information Adviser Barrister Saif had earlier said that Gandapur's meeting with the incarcerated party founder included consultations on governance and ministerial performance. Political circles have linked the resignations to internal differences, particularly after the party's Peshawar rally on September 27, where workers staged protests and disagreements emerged over event management.

Sources added that both ministers also met Gandapur in Islamabad on Monday night, before their resignations were made public Tuesday morning.

In his resignation, Faisal Khan Tarakai said it had been an honour to serve as education minister and to work on reforms in line with Imran Khan's vision of transparency, merit and performance.

"It was a privilege to contribute to educational reforms and development, but I will continue my commitment to PTI and Imran Khan's vision," he wrote.

Aqibullah Khan, in his letter, acknowledged that during his tenure, he had strived to justify Imran Khan's trust and modernise the irrigation department. "I remain committed to PTI as a worker and to fulfilling the party's vision," he stated.

With two key posts vacant, names for replacements are under consideration.

According to sources, Special Assistant Arbab Asim is being considered for either the education or irrigation portfolio, while other candidates are being discussed for education.

Moreover, there is also a possibility that an MPA currently serving as a special assistant could be elevated to a full minister.

On Monday, the PTI's parliamentary party urged the military to cease wholesale act­ion in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asking it to limit itself to the erstwhile intelligence-based operations (IBOs) instead.

"The parliamentary party urged the decision makers to immediately stop operations in tribal areas as it will not be beneficial.