From loyalist to outcast: Ali Amin Gandapur's fall from PTI

Once a trusted PTI stalwart, K-P chief minister's turbulent tenure ends in controversy

Once hailed as one of Imran Khan’s most trusted lieutenants, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s political journey has taken a dramatic downturn, ending in disillusionment, controversy, and eventual removal from power.

Elected as the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on March 1, 2024, Gandapur entered office with fiery rhetoric and ambitious promises. He pledged to restore the Sehat Card health program, dismiss politically motivated cases within six days, and launch investigations into election rigging.

His early speeches resonated with party loyalists, echoing his strong condemnation of the May 9 incidents and unwavering commitment to securing the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.

But within months, the optimism faded. Gandapur’s administration became mired in corruption allegations, poor governance, and widening internal rifts.

Reports presented before the Public Accounts Committee revealed serious financial irregularities across multiple departments, casting doubt on his much-touted anti-corruption stance.

Read More: 'Perfect storm' of crises cause Gandapur to resign

The first signs of political erosion surfaced when PTI workers began distancing themselves from party rallies. Gandapur’s repeated disappearances during protest marches toward Islamabad — each time vanishing for days before reappearing in K-P — angered the rank and file.

Many accused him of betraying the party’s movement to secure Khan’s release. The September 27 rally in Peshawar, sparsely attended and poorly organized, symbolized the growing disillusionment.

A fact-finding report by PTI’s Peshawar district body confirmed lapses in management, coordination, and enthusiasm, signaling an unprecedented loss of faith in Gandapur’s leadership.

Despite mounting criticism, Gandapur pursued dual ambitions: running the provincial government and contesting the PTI’s provincial presidency in the upcoming intra-party elections.

Simultaneously, reports emerged of his back-channel negotiations with the establishment, allegedly seeking Khan’s release — a move viewed with suspicion by the PTI core leadership.

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The situation worsened as security operations and counterterrorism activities in K-P resulted in civilian casualties. Imprisoned Imran Khan reportedly sent multiple messages instructing Gandapur to halt drone strikes and military actions, but the chief minister failed to act.

The final rupture came during the 2024–25 provincial budget session. Ignoring the party’s directive not to proceed without Khan’s input, Gandapur presented and passed the budget — an act seen as outright defiance.

The confrontation escalated further when Gandapur accused Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, of collaborating with intelligence agencies and obstructing efforts to secure her brother’s release.

This allegation proved fatal. Imran Khan immediately summoned Gandapur for an explanation. Days later, he was asked to resign, marking an abrupt and humiliating end to his short-lived rule.

From being a firebrand PTI loyalist to a political pariah, Gandapur’s downfall underscores the widening cracks within PTI’s power structure and the deepening uncertainty surrounding its leadership dynamics.