The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government faces severe criticism for its performance, with accusations of corruption permeating every department.
Despite a seemingly positive portrayal on social media, the actual governance in the province is described as dismal, marked by a lack of vision and direction.
In a recent podcast, Irfan Khan, Bureau Chief of Azad News Peshawar, expressed concern over the ongoing uncertainty about the province’s leadership. Despite six months passing, there remains widespread confusion about who is actually in charge.
The ambiguity surrounding whether Ali Amin Gandapur, his brother Faisal Amin Khan, or another individual is leading the government has led to PTI’s own Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) openly questioning their leadership’s effectiveness.
Moreover, Faisal Amin Khan’s involvement in government activities has raised eyebrows from the outset. His chairmanship of donor meetings and his influence over bureaucratic appointments sparked internal objections, leading to his eventual sidelining.
Journalist Irfan Khan pointed out that the PTI government’s claims of effective governance are under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption, especially following disputes between PTI’s Shakeel Khan and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Additionally, the PTI’s earlier efforts to combat corruption through the Accountability Commission, established in 2013-14, have been criticised for their inefficacy and eventual dissolution.
The commission’s failure, which squandered one billion rupees, has led to the formation of a new “Good Governance Committee,” raising questions about the necessity of additional oversight bodies when existing institutions like NAB and the Anti-Corruption Establishment already exist.
The report also alleges that dissenting voices against Ali Amin Gandapur are being suppressed under the guise of corruption allegations, casting doubt on the government’s commitment to genuine reform. The lack of transparency and communication from Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding KP’s governance issues further exacerbates the situation.
Additionally, the report touches on the controversial handling of cases related to May 9, with a PTI MPA from Mardan alleging that Chief Minister Gandapur threatened severe action if these cases were not withdrawn promptly. Six months later, the issue remains unresolved, with individuals still imprisoned, raising further questions about Gandapur’s accountability.
Furthermore, overall, the KP government’s inability to address corruption and governance issues effectively highlights a broader crisis of leadership and transparency in the province.
