As someone who has lived through the waves of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, I have no illusions left. I no longer ask whether our government is serious about ending terrorism — because the answer is staring us in the face: they are not. And it’s not “Islamabad,” not some vague blame game, the failure lies squarely with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its catastrophic misgovernance over three consecutive terms in this province.
For over a decade, PTI has held the reins of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They’ve had more time, more stability, and more opportunity than any other political force in the province’s recent history. And what do they have to show for it? No security infrastructure, no meaningful development in merged districts, and absolutely no political maturity to cooperate for the national good.
Let’s not forget: PTI also ruled the federal government from 2018 to 2022. This was their moment to deliver on promises, to align federal resources with provincial needs. Instead, they weaponized politics, refused to cooperate with institutions, and hoarded power while letting KP bleed. The police system was gutted, merged tribal districts were ignored, and even routine governance tasks became politicised.
Our police are underfunded and untrained. Levies and Khasadars were absorbed into the KP police in name only. What followed was not reform — it was administrative negligence. These brave men are sent into some of the most dangerous areas of Pakistan without proper vehicles, weapons, or even fuel. Imagine sending someone into a war zone with no tools, that’s exactly what PTI has done with KP’s law enforcement.
And it gets worse.
Despite all the political power PTI accumulated, their Chief Minister couldn’t even convince their own party head to release KP’s constitutionally guaranteed NFC funds. When a provincial jirga tried to raise the issue with Imran Khan, the person tasked with conveying the message was humiliated and demoted. This is how PTI treats internal dissent — even when it’s about the rights of the very people they claim to represent.
It’s not just incompetence; it’s sabotage.
PTI leaders had the audacity to suggest Taliban offices be opened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at the very moment our security forces were fighting and dying in operations against them. Their public image suffered because of their cozy rhetoric around militants, but it was the people of KP who paid the real price — in blood.
Today, KP’s tribal areas, instead of being brought into the mainstream, remain neglected and leaderless. Officers and administrators avoid postings in these regions. Courts are dysfunctional, and justice is out of reach. It’s no surprise that calls are now growing to reverse the FATA merger or make it a separate province. This is the direct result of PTI’s failure to deliver on even the most basic promises of governance.
The final insult? PTI’s refusal to engage in cooperative politics even now. The current Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, refused to attend a meeting with the Army Chief and Prime Minister — a rare opportunity to forge consensus and seek support. This isn’t just petty, it’s dangerous. Because while PTI performs its perpetual victimhood in press conferences and social media rallies, the people of KP continue to bury their dead.
I am tired of hearing that KP is a “front-line province.” We are not a front line. We are human beings. And we are sick of being sacrificed on the altar of PTI’s political theater. The truth is, PTI has ruled KP longer than any other party in recent history. If there’s one constant across this decade of pain, it’s them.
So stop blaming “others.” PTI has had its chance. Three, in fact. And it has failed miserably, at the cost of our security, dignity, and future.
