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
Ahtesham Bashir
October 09, 2025
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addresses a PTI rally in Peshawar. SCREENGRAB
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.
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.
