Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday confirmed that he has received the handwritten resignation of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the governor stated that the resignation was received and acknowledged by the Governor House at 2:30pm on October 11.

“Today at 2:30 pm, the handwritten resignation advice of the CM Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was duly received and acknowledged by Governor House,” the post read.

Governor Kundi added that the resignation will be processed in accordance with the law.

“After thorough scrutiny and legal formalities as per the Constitution [and] relevant laws, [the] subject resignation will be processed in due course of time,” he said.

According to official sources, the resignation was delivered by CM Gandapur’s special assistant, Mussadiq Abbasi, and duly received by the Governor House staff, with the time of receipt officially recorded on the acknowledgement slip.

Governor Kundi said the matter would be decided strictly under constitutional procedure.

“All decisions will be made as per the Constitution and law,” the governor reiterated in his statement.

Kundi to seek formal constitutional opinion on Monday

Later, Governor Kundi decided not to immediately accept the resignation of Gandapur, citing the need for a detailed constitutional review.

According to sources, preliminary legal procedures regarding the resignation have been completed at the Governor House.

However, the governor has opted to seek a formal constitutional opinion on Monday before taking a final decision.

Officials said the legal team of the Governor House will not be available over the weekend due to official holidays.

Sources added that Governor Kundi intends to personally review all relevant legal opinions and supporting documents before proceeding, ensuring that the matter is handled strictly in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.

Governor has no discretion in the matter: PTI

Following Gandapur’s resignation, PTI has intensified its political consultations to ensure a smooth transition of power.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the governor’s acknowledgement of the resignation paved the way for the election of a new chief minister on Monday, announcing Sohail Afridi as PTI’s nominee for the post.

“Sohail Afridi will be the first chief minister from the tribal areas, and the people of the province are delighted with his nomination,” he said.

He pointed out that under Article 130 of the Constitution, once a chief minister resigns, “the governor has no discretion in the matter.”

KP Assembly session summoned on Monday

Meanwhile, the KP Assembly has been summoned to meet on Monday morning to elect the province’s new chief minister following the resignation of Ali Amin Gandapur.

According to an official notification issued by the Assembly Secretariat, the session will begin at 11.00am.

The election of the new chief minister will be the main agenda item of the session, which comes two days after Governor Faisal Karim Kundi confirmed receiving Gandapur’s handwritten resignation.

Sources said the PTI has nominated Sohail Afridi as its candidate for the top provincial slot, marking a significant moment as he would become the first chief minister from the tribal areas if elected.

PTI in race to secure support

Both the ruling PTI and the opposition have launched intense political manoeuvring to secure maximum support from assembly members ahead of the crucial vote.

A PTI delegation led by Junaid Akbar met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leaders at Mufti Mahmood Centre in an effort to seek their support.

Meanwhile, Asad Qaiser contacted the opposition leader to arrange a meeting at his residence, while PTI sources confirmed outreach to other opposition parties as well.

On the other hand, opposition parties have called a strategy meeting in Islamabad at the residence of Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah.

Parliamentary leaders of various opposition parties will attend the meeting to finalise a united strategy for the Monday session and consider nominating a joint candidate for the chief minister’s office.

JUI-F confirms political contacts

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri confirmed that Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had earlier met Maulana Fazlur Rehman, informing him of the internal differences within PTI ranks.

Ghauri said that a PTI delegation led by Asad Qaiser also approached JUI-F seeking support for its nominee, Sohail Afridi.

“PTI is bringing in an inexperienced person. We don’t want a floor-crossing situation, but it doesn’t seem likely that PTI will be able to get Sohail Afridi elected,” he remarked.