Web Desk: Public frustration is growing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where residents have accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government of failing to address security, education, healthcare and infrastructure problems.
Residents say the provincial government’s political activities have largely focused on rallies and demonstrations, while basic issues affecting people on the ground remain unresolved.
“PTI’s performance is limited to rallies and processions. Nothing is visible on the ground,” residents said, according to statements circulated about the province’s governance.
They also criticised repeated announcements over the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, saying political leaders frequently announce new dates and protest plans instead of focusing on public concerns.
Security is among the most pressing issues raised by residents, particularly as the province continues to face militant violence.
Residents questioned whether funds allocated to the province under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and for counterterrorism efforts had translated into better security.
According to figures cited by the critics, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received about 3.114 trillion Pakistani rupees under the NFC award, while 3.774 trillion rupees were allocated for counterterrorism-related purposes.
Despite those allocations, residents said violence had not declined sufficiently and alleged that police forces continued to face shortages of weapons and infrastructure.
“Neither weapons were provided to the police nor were police stations built,” residents said.
They also alleged that the share of NFC funds designated for the former tribal areas had not been adequately spent there.
Residents have also raised allegations of corruption and politically motivated transfers within the provincial administration.
They alleged that some officials were being transferred in exchange for money and claimed that provincial lawmakers themselves had raised concerns about the conduct of individuals linked to the government.
The allegations could not be independently verified from the information provided.
Residents also called for action against those involved in illegal mining, saying authorities should investigate and prosecute people operating outside the law.
Beyond security and governance, residents said the province continues to face significant challenges in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
They argued that political confrontation had overshadowed issues that directly affect everyday life, including public services and development.
“It feels as though the province is being run without a government. There is nobody to answer to us,” residents said.
The criticism reflects growing demands for greater accountability and improved service delivery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Residents said the provincial administration should prioritise restoring peace, strengthening law enforcement and improving public services instead of focusing primarily on political rallies and protest campaigns.
They also called for greater transparency in the use of public funds and investigations into allegations of corruption and illegal mining.
The PTI-led provincial government has yet to respond to the specific allegations contained in the statements provided for this report.
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