Islamabad: Former First Lady Leads Protest Amidst Political Turmoil
On the cold night of November 26, 2024, a sense of concern was palpable on the face of former First Lady Bushra Bibi as she led demonstrators on Islamabad’s Siri Nagar Highway. At that moment, her aim was to demand the release of her husband, Imran Khan. According to senior party leaders, she was visibly distressed, especially as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who was originally leading the convoy, had fallen far behind. This incident not only deepened the internal rifts within the PTI but also escalated power struggles among various factions within the party.
The events of that night at D-Chowk further divided the party, with Bushra Bibi blaming Ali Amin for allegedly abandoning her alone at the Chowk, leading to PTI’s social media activists targeting the Chief Minister with criticism. Supporters of Ali Amin claim that he bravely removed Bushra Bibi from the commotion and safely escorted her to the Margalla Hills. However, despite his actions, the incident significantly impacted Ali Amin’s position. He faced further challenges when he was removed from his position as Minister of Communications in August 2024 due to allegations of misconduct, which were linked to a powerful group within the party.
Ali Amin’s current situation has become more complicated as he struggles to consolidate power centers both within and outside the party. He has faced difficulties in taking significant steps for his leader Imran Khan, which has further embroiled his leadership in challenges. Nevertheless, Ali Amin has attempted to maintain relations with the federal government, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economy heavily relies on federal resources. Government officials mention that in the initial months of his tenure, Ali Amin faced security challenges alongside increasing demands from within the party to remove protesting factions.
Interestingly, Ali Amin has found himself under intense criticism from within his own party, where his social media activists have accused him of betrayal and failure. This marks the first instance in his political career where he is under such pressure, raising questions about whether he can achieve positive results for his leader amidst the current turmoil.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court’s hearings on seniority conflicts within the PTI have been delayed at the party’s request.
