Ali Amin Gandapur’s downfall exposes PTI’s inner power struggle between Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan, revealing how even a fiery and powerful figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) can be politically crushed when caught between the influence of the two women closest to party founder Imran Khan. Gandapur resigned as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister on Wednesday after receiving a clear message from the incarcerated PTI founder that his time in office was over.
Once a fierce loyalist and symbol of Khan’s defiance, Gandapur found himself isolated after months of internal conflicts — first with Bushra Bibi and later with Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan. What began as tactical disagreements soon turned into personal and political hostilities that sealed his fate.
The tensions with Bushra Bibi date back to PTI’s protest march toward Islamabad’s D-Chowk last year. Gandapur, citing security and strategic concerns, had advised stopping the rally at Sangjani. But Bushra Bibi overruled him, insisting the march continue into the capital. “She was determined to reach D-Chowk,” a senior PTI insider said, calling it the first visible crack in Gandapur’s authority within the party.
The disagreement escalated when Bushra Bibi later claimed she had been “left alone” during the confrontation at D-Chowk — a statement Gandapur publicly refuted. “I was with her from beginning to end,” he told reporters, suggesting her remarks were politically motivated. That dispute marked the beginning of a long period of mistrust between the two.
Gandapur also grew increasingly frustrated with Bushra’s alleged interference in administrative matters during her stay in Peshawar. Despite his discomfort, Imran Khan continued to rely heavily on her advice, further marginalizing the chief minister’s role.
But the real confrontation came months later when Gandapur openly accused Aleema Khan of sowing divisions within PTI and being “facilitated” by Military Intelligence (MI). In a fiery video message, he alleged that Aleema was running proxy social media networks to attack loyal members and promote herself as the party’s future chairperson. “If you want to elect a chairperson, then do it openly,” he said.
Aleema Khan brushed off the allegations after meeting Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, claiming her brother was “amused” by Gandapur’s outburst. Yet, insiders say that was the turning point — taking on the one person who serves as Khan’s direct link to the outside world proved to be Gandapur’s biggest mistake.
With both Bushra and Aleema turning against him, Gandapur’s standing in PTI collapsed. His allies distanced themselves, and Khan’s core team stopped defending him publicly. “After those remarks against Aleema, there was no way back,” said a senior PTI leader. “He lost the trust of the people who matter most around Khan — and once that happens, no loyalty can save you.
