ISLAMABAD: Party Chairman Gohar Ali Khan announced that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has instructed PTI members to step down from all standing committees within the Punjab Assembly without delay.
In a statement outside Adiala Jail, where he met Khan alongside Senator Ali Zafar, Gohar confirmed that PTI controls a total of 14 standing committees in Punjab, and that the decision to resign was directly made by Khan himself.
This move is part of PTI’s broader political strategy, which includes boycotting upcoming by-elections. Last month, PTI lawmakers resigned en masse from the standing committees of the National Assembly and Senate following Khan’s directives.Gohar mentioned that his recent meeting with Khan was among the first in several days, and that the former Prime Minister appeared to be in good health and in high spirits.
He also provided an update on the Toshakhana case, stating that the trial has concluded, with closing arguments scheduled for October 13 and a verdict expected early next week. Gohar labeled it as the fifth “fabricated” case against Khan, asserting that all such cases are politically motivated to keep him detained.
Regarding the upcoming cabinet formation, Gohar clarified that Khan will finalize appointments once the new chief minister is sworn in. He emphasized that the current CM was nominated by Khan and that PTI fully supports this decision.
Gohar urged KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to accept the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to facilitate a seamless political transition. He dismissed reports of any internal dissent within PTI, asserting that many decisions are made independently of wider consultation, and that the change in KP leadership was Khan’s own decision, which the party endorses.
The resignation of KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur has sparked controversy. Sources from the Chief Minister’s House indicate that Gandapur’s resignation was delivered at the Governor House last night and was acknowledged by staff there. The sources added that Governor Kundi is currently in Islamabad, where he met with a foreign diplomat and attended a Pakistan-Afghanistan football match.
Meanwhile, Governor Kundi told Geo News that he has yet to receive the resignation letter from Gandapur’s principal secretary. Once received, he will review it in accordance with legal and constitutional procedures before signing. He also mentioned that any errors would lead to the resignation being returned. Senator Zafar shared that Khan indicated the current cabinet will remain in place for now, with potential changes to be considered later if necessary. Khan reportedly described the appointment of the new chief minister as a constitutional process and warned that any attempt to obstruct it would provoke strong protests.
