K-P's tussle with Centre dominates politics of 2024

Party uses might in province to launch protests in Islamabad

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PESHAWAR:

The year 2024 is bidding farewell, leaving behind several memories on the political horizon.

Following the general elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) successfully formed the government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the third time, with Ali Amin Gandapur becoming the Chief Minister. The governorship, previously held by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), was transferred to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The political arena remained charged with tensions between the federal government and PTI. Rumours of governor's rule echoed throughout the province. During legal proceedings, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa served as a safe haven for PTI members.

Cases were registered against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur over protests in Islamabad, yet PTI maintained a dominant position in parliamentary politics.

The opposition in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa played a friendly role throughout the year.

The year 2024 was marked by political activity, with the political battlefield heating up continuously. Even before the general elections, PTI faced challenges. Their electoral symbol was revoked, forcing candidates to contest independently.

Despite restrictions, PTI managed to form a government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for the third time. Ali Amin Gandapur assumed office as chief minister and, in his inaugural speech, launched a campaign against the federal government.

After PTI formed its government, the governorship was handed to the PPP, with Faisal Karim Kundi becoming the new governor of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. A series of verbal clashes ensued between the CM and the Governor.

PTI used Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as the centre for its campaign to secure the release of the party's Founder Imran Khan.

Protests were held twice in Islamabad and once in Lahore, while the founder also announced a sit-in in Islamabad.

Throughout this political battle, PTI drew significant support from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In parliamentary politics, PTI maintained dominance, and opposition parties struggled to compete during the general elections.

As a result, PTI faced weak opposition in the assembly, which continued to play a friendly role. Confrontations between the federal and provincial ruling parties fueled rumors of governor's rule in the province. After PTI's dominance, JUI-F successfully held a major gathering in Peshawar, while other parties like ANP, PPP, PML-N, and others remained distant from the political hustle in the province.

In the 2024 General Elections, PTI emerged as a dominant political force, capitalising on widespread public support and a robust grassroots campaign.