PESHAWAR — A stormy session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly descended into chaos on Monday after opposition lawmakers walked out, declaring the election for a new chief minister “unconstitutional” since outgoing CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation had not been officially accepted.
At the start of the session, Gandapur congratulated Sohail Afridi, PTI’s nominee to succeed him, and reaffirmed loyalty to Imran Khan’s leadership, boasting that his administration had raised the provincial treasury to Rs280 million.
After due consideration, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resignation has been returned with observation. pic.twitter.com/dAfthhTBqW
— Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) October 12, 2025
Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah countered by waving a copy of the Constitution, saying: “In the presence of an existing chief minister, the election of a new one is unconstitutional.”
He walked out with opposition benches in protest. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati later ruled that the opposition’s objection was valid under the Constitution, noting the ambiguity surrounding Gandapur’s resignation.
Finally the resignation submitted on 8th Oct previously denied by Governor office also acknowledged.
I hereby Reconfirm that both Resignations (8th Oct & 11th Oct 2025) are bearing My Authentic Signatures. https://t.co/cNuV2GFCOp pic.twitter.com/YHHYrXsliJ— Ali Amin Khan Gandapur (@AliAminKhanPTI) October 12, 2025
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi returned Gandapur’s resignation letters on Sunday, citing “disparate signatures”, and summoned him to the Governor House on October 15 to verify authenticity.
Kundi’s letter revealed that two resignation versions—one typed and one handwritten—had been received on October 8 and 11, but with differing signatures. Gandapur responded on X (formerly Twitter), insisting both carried his genuine signature and thanking the governor for finally acknowledging receipt.
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Despite the uncertainty, PTI proceeded with the leadership vote, nominating Sohail Afridi as its new CM candidate.
Four contenders are in the race: Sohail Afridi (PTI), Maulana Lutfur Rehman (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf (PML-N), Arbab Zarak Khan (PPP)
A candidate must secure 73 votes in the 145-member assembly to win. Opposition leaders, including Lutfur Rehman, warned PTI was acting in haste, saying, “It’s inappropriate to hold an election for chief minister while the incumbent is still in office.” He hinted at possible legal challenges, calling the election “unconstitutional”.
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PTI’s leadership, however, defended the move as democratic, with Afridi stating: “The Constitution provides a clear and smooth process for electing the leader of the house. No one should interfere.”
Gandapur is expected to meet the governor on October 15 to settle the resignation dispute — a meeting that may decide whether Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ends up with two chief ministers or a prolonged constitutional crisis.