Peshawar, August 3, 2025: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has dismissed reports suggesting that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has asked for his resignation, reaffirming his position and loyalty to the party leadership.
“I am here because the PTI founder trusts me. This is his government and his mandate,” Gandapur said in a statement on Sunday, rejecting speculation about internal rifts.
The rebuttal comes a day after sources claimed that the incarcerated former prime minister had expressed dissatisfaction over the law and order situation in KP and hinted that Gandapur should step down if he fails to restore peace. “If Ali Amin Gandapur cannot restore peace, he should resign,” sources quoted Imran Khan as saying.
In response, the KP Chief Minister’s spokesperson reiterated that no credible message regarding Gandapur’s resignation has been communicated by Imran Khan. “The KP government represents the vision of the PTI founder. The chief minister will resign only when directed by him,” the spokesperson stated.
Faraz Mughal, another close aide to Gandapur, also weighed in, noting that the chief minister has not yet been allowed to meet Imran Khan in Adiala Jail despite court orders. “Legal and constitutional rights are being violated,” he said.
Mughal further highlighted Gandapur’s ongoing efforts to improve security in the province, including the launch of regional tribal jirgas aimed at countering terrorism. “The chief minister is actively working to maintain law and order in KP,” he said.
Separately, CM Gandapur dismissed speculation that Imran Khan might leave the country. “He has never expressed any intention or desire to go abroad. These are baseless rumours being spread to damage our movement,” he said.
He accused political opponents of orchestrating a misinformation campaign. “These claims are part of a broader conspiracy. Those promoting such narratives are not with the PTI founder, they are with his enemies,” he asserted.
Gandapur also stressed the need for dialogue over force to resolve security issues in the region. “Military operations are not a long-term solution—we’ve tried them before without lasting success,” he remarked.
He called for renewed diplomatic efforts with Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in state institutions. “We must rebuild trust between the people, the government, and institutions. Without it, we cannot overcome our challenges,” he warned.
“If we don’t address problems openly, they fester and grow. What starts as a minor ailment can become cancer if ignored,” the chief minister concluded.
