Government performance in 2015: Change appears uneven at halfway mark

PTI govt’s record includes successes accompanied with controversies

PESHAWAR:

Change has been uneven in the two-and-a-half years since Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came into power. The provincial government’s performance sheet includes successes accompanied with unnecessary controversies.

Within PTI

Internal rifts within the party have not subsided even though half its tenure has ended. Party members complain they have been ignored in the making of key decisions.  In addition, two provincial MPAs have been expelled from the party while seven members were issued show cause notices for violating party discipline. Adviser to Chief Minister on Sports, Culture, Tourism and Museums Amjad Afridi was expelled and MPA Yasin Khalil was banned from holding any party or government portfolio in the future.

Ziaullah Afridi’s arrest by Ehtesab Commission generated a stir. In Mansehra, Senator Azam Swati failed to protect the interests of the party. Meanwhile, MPA Arif Yousaf acted irresponsibly and was reprimanded for his conduct.

Still standing

This year, the Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan was absorbed into PTI. The decision drew considerable scepticism and resistance even though it was in the pipeline for a long time. Qaumi Watan Party also rejoined the coalition government.



Ties between PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami deteriorated after the latter felt it was betrayed by the ruling party during the local government elections in the province. Both parties soon realised the importance of supporting each other and tried to resolve existing tensions.

Absence of consensus

PTI’s Dr Mehar Taj Roghani was elected the first-ever woman deputy speaker. However, a large number of PTI MPAs expressed doubts over the decision to field Roghani as a candidate. Chief Minister Pervez Khattak had to convene a meeting of members to convince them to back her nomination.

During the first meeting, PTI members voiced their reservations on the decision to field Roghani for the post. However, the CM told them Roghani was selected by PTI chairperson Imran Khan. At the second meeting, all PTI MPAs agreed to Roghani’s nomination.

Trees, trees, trees

Under the Billion Tree Tsunami project, the PTI-led government is believed to have planted 80,000 saplings since 2014 in Peshawar district. Special Assistant to CM on Environment Syed Muhammad Ishtiaq said target is to plant one billion trees by 2018. The third party audit will be issued in early January.

The project has also been criticised and it has yet to be seen whether the party will be able to achieve its aim within its tenure.  The mass transit system, which was widely advertised, is still down in the doldrums. The provincial government has blamed the federal government for not allowing it to start construction around railway track while flyovers have been constructed on the chosen routes.

The project is likely to be completed within four years and will not be finished within the current government’s tenure.

ADP utilisation

The utilisation of the annual development programme (ADP) during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2015-16 remained the same as the previous year. As in fiscal year 2014-15, utilisation rate of ADP during the first quarter remained slow and the departments could only utilise 5.8 % of the ADP. Meanwhile, the road sector utilised 100% of the ADP.

Revamping education

The PTI government launched the Tameer-e-School programme in April 2014 to improve the standard of education in the province. The initiative was aimed at establishing new schools and revamping existing institutes. At least 818 schools still lack basic facilities.



It is believed the government has not taken consistent interest in this project and people have not been inclined to donate funds for the programme.

However, Elementary and Secondary School Director Rafiq Khattak said considerable funds have been received so far. He added facilities have been provided at 100 schools across the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2015.