Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Security Detail Withdrawal Sparks Pti Factional Tensions

On February 24, 2026, a significant political dispute erupted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that his security detail had been withdrawn by the provincial government, a move he described as 'unjustified' given the ongoing security threats in the region. Gandapur stated, "I want to tell the chief minister that there is no need to return this security to me now. I do not need it," indicating his refusal to accept any reinstatement of his security personnel. The security detail, which included a 16-member squad comprising two jammer operators, eight gunmen, and six drivers, was reportedly recalled on the orders of the current Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi. However, Afridi's office denied these claims, asserting that no official withdrawal had occurred and that Gandapur was still entitled to a police escort. An official clarified, "Under the rules, the former chief minister was not entitled to retain the jammers. He was supposed to return the jammers and vehicle." This contradiction has sparked confusion and raised tensions within the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, highlighting the rift between Gandapur and Afridi, who succeeded him as chief minister in October 2025.