The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, under Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leadership, continues to face backlash for mismanagement of public resources. Recent revelations show that funds have been irresponsibly diverted toward political protests, including arrangements for PTI’s demonstrations, instead of addressing the province’s pressing needs. The repercussions of such financial negligence are now more evident than ever.
Funds Misallocated During Provincial Crisis
KP’s already struggling economy is being further strained by the diversion of resources for political gains. Over Rs. 81 crore were spent on facilitating political activities instead of resolving critical issues such as healthcare, education, and disaster recovery. This has left the province’s vital sectors grossly underfunded:
Healthcare: Public hospitals in KP lack essential medicines, equipment, and staffing. Despite repeated calls for reforms, little progress has been made.
Education: Schools in the province remain in shambles, with inadequate facilities and teacher shortages, contributing to one of the lowest literacy rates in the country.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Victims of last year’s devastating floods are still waiting for relief, as reconstruction projects remain stalled due to lack of funding.
This mismanagement not only deprives citizens of basic necessities but also raises questions about the leadership’s priorities.
The Burden of Protest Expenses
Despite KP’s dire condition, the government prioritized protests over governance. Security forces, public servants, and even emergency resources were mobilized for these demonstrations. This resulted in further delays in addressing the province’s developmental challenges, particularly in marginalized areas where infrastructure and public services are non-existent.
Public Reaction and Growing Frustration
Citizens across KP are expressing growing anger at this mismanagement. Instead of creating job opportunities, reducing poverty, or addressing terrorism threats, the government has focused on fueling political unrest. This has led to a noticeable erosion of public trust in PTI’s governance.
Call for Change
The people of KP deserve better governance. Misuse of public funds for political purposes is a betrayal of the public’s trust. Moving forward, there must be accountability, and public resources should be directed toward sectors that benefit citizens directly—healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic growth.
The KP government’s actions have made it clear that political theatrics are being prioritized over public welfare. This reckless approach must be reevaluated to prevent further harm to the province and its people.