By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
PML-N leader Ameer Muqam’s strong criticism of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing it of “destroying the province in eleven years,” adds another layer to the increasingly heated political discourse in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His statement, while politically charged, raises legitimate questions about the legacy of PTI’s prolonged rule in the province, a government that came to power on the promise of change, accountability, and good governance.
Over the past eleven years, PTI’s leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has claimed several reforms, particularly in health, education, and policing. The Sehat Card program, police autonomy, and initiatives for transparency were presented as models for other provinces. However, the gap between promises and delivery has often been wide. Public sector education continues to struggle with quality and infrastructure issues; hospitals remain understaffed; and development projects, particularly in rural and tribal areas, have faced significant delays or inefficiencies.
Ameer Muqam’s criticism must also be seen in the context of political polarization. The upcoming elections have intensified rhetoric on both sides, with parties seeking to position themselves as champions of reform and stability. Yet, beyond political point-scoring, the real question remains: what tangible improvements have reached the common citizen?
The province continues to face challenges, economic stagnation, unemployment, and growing insecurity, particularly in newly merged districts. Many residents complain of being left behind in the post-merger development process, while infrastructure in urban centers such as Peshawar has failed to keep pace with population growth. These are not merely governance failures; they reflect a lack of long-term vision and continuity in policymaking.
If Ameer Muqam’s criticism is to hold weight, it must go beyond rhetoric and offer a constructive alternative. Merely condemning the past will not rebuild what is broken. PML-N and other opposition parties must present a clear, implementable roadmap for reform, one that prioritizes institutional stability, job creation, and equitable resource distribution.
The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve more than slogans. They deserve a government, any government, that learns from past mistakes and restores faith in public service. Political blame games may win headlines, but only honest governance will win the province’s future.
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