Peshawar, October 12, 2025 – A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at his residence on Sunday, seeking Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) support for the upcoming chief ministerial election after Ali Amin Khan Gandapur’s resignation. The team, including Asad Qaiser, Atif Khan, Ali Asghar Kundi, Junaid Akbar, and Dr. Amjad Khan, was joined by PPP provincial president Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha, hinting at potential coalition talks ahead of Monday’s crucial assembly session.
The PTI leaders urged PPP cooperation to ensure a smooth transition, with Sohail Afridi, a dynamic figure from the former tribal areas, nominated as the party’s candidate for chief minister. Governor Kundi, reaffirming PPP’s commitment to democratic norms, pledged to process Gandapur’s resignation—received Saturday after initial delays—strictly per constitutional guidelines. He emphasized collaborative efforts with opposition parties to advance Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s development and peace, urging focus on public services amid ongoing security and economic challenges.
Gandapur’s exit, directed by PTI founder Imran Khan on October 8, triggered a scramble, with the resignation formalized via a handwritten note delivered by Brigadier (Retd) Musaddiq Abbasi. Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati advanced the session to October 13 at 10 a.m. under Rule 31(b) to elect the new Leader of the House. PTI, wary of alleged horse-trading, remains confident in Afridi’s candidacy, which could mark a historic first for the tribal regions.
The meeting follows PTI’s outreach to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), with Kundi also engaging Maulana Fazlur Rehman recently, reflecting intricate coalition dynamics. Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar’s accusations of PTI stoking divisions have heightened tensions, though the party dismissed these as political ploys.
Separately, the political community mourned the passing of PML-N veteran Raja Muhammad Nasir Ahmad Khan in Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday. The former minister’s death prompted condolences from PTI and PPP leaders, underscoring rare cross-party unity.
As the assembly prepares for Monday’s vote, stakeholders must prioritize stability over partisanship. A seamless transition could refocus efforts on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s pressing needs—counter-terrorism, infrastructure, and public welfare—ensuring the province’s resilience shines through.
