Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur has returned to the political spotlight with a series of media appearances and outspoken statements, reminding observers of his once-dominant role in PTI’s provincial politics.
Gandapur had largely withdrawn from public view after leaving the party’s turbulent political scene in October last year, a fate not unlike that of his PTI predecessors Mahmood Khan and Parvez Khattak, who also faded after leaving office. But with PTI facing another leadership crisis, the Sardar from Kulachi re-emerged, projecting his familiar, boisterous persona.
Return to the limelight
Earlier this week, Gandapur attended a PTI protest in Islamabad, giving multiple interviews to TV channels and podcasts, sharply criticising the party and its leadership. Notably, he praised Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, despite the party’s view of Naqvi as partly responsible for Imran Khan’s incarceration, claiming Naqvi made “more serious and sustained efforts than anyone else” to secure Imran’s release. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi responded by calling Gandapur “Naqvi’s good boy,” disputing the former CM’s claims.
Gandapur also criticised Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, whom he had previously blamed for his ouster. His remarks generated speculation about his motivations and possible political strategy, leaving PTI insiders and commentators questioning whether his aim was to regain influence, destabilise KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, or position himself for a future comeback.
Mixed responses within PTI
Party leaders remain cautious. Some view Gandapur as a “loose cannon” whose public outbursts could undermine the party’s image, drawing comparisons to Sher Afzal Marwat, who was expelled after making divisive statements. Others see his actions as an attempt to challenge Afridi and prepare for a possible leadership opportunity should Afridi face disqualification over pending code of conduct violations in the Haripur by-poll.
PTI insiders also noted Gandapur’s long absence from politics, contrasting claims that he stayed in Dera Ismail Khan due to court cases with reports that he had been active in Islamabad and district politics for some time. Social media critics have long labelled him a “sellout” or “establishment loyalist,” while party members acknowledge his political skills but question his timing and temperament.
Apology and justification
Following his media blitz, Gandapur issued a brief video apology, stating: “People are creating a controversy out of my angry remarks. If my remarks have hurt someone… I am sorry for the time being.” He justified his earlier anger by citing the party’s failure to secure proper treatment for the jailed Imran, adding, “If someone is not angered by this, then they lack humanity.”
Aleema Khan responds
Meanwhile, Aleema Khan dismissed Gandapur’s attacks as misdirected anger against the family of Imran Khan. She said, “Since they owe their seats to Imran, they cannot say anything against him, so they target the family instead… they are venting their anger against Imran.”
Gandapur’s return has rekindled debates over his ambitions, party loyalty, and the PTI’s internal dynamics, leaving political observers watching closely for his next moves.